Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and quiet self was used to. Reflecting back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this past year provided, and what is my current state?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and interact with others. However, sitting here now, I can assert that I have formed some of the most wonderful friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and in this course. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with people in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a step forward at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you’re not fully prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and gatherings to help you connect with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first to the second term. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. Several things assisted me in navigating that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that many others are also struggling to understand it. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn during the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware that students face difficulties. They empathize with our struggles and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really make use of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to get to know the faculty, and it’s definitely one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance being offered. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to enjoy myself even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.