By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making connections. This is often regarded as one of the most frightening aspects of beginning university, and if you are a prospective student, it might be a major source of worry for you. On my inaugural day of moving into my accommodation, just days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too fearful to step out and introduce myself. However, now I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away? I learned that it’s always advantageous to make a bold move at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be many ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embrace one thing, it should be to be your authentic self. With such a diverse community across the course and university, you’re certain to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the academic workload and the difficulty of the material. There was a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things helped me cope with that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares this experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others don’t either. So, ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek support from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role provided me an opportunity to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be eased with the support systems in place from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment among stressors like exams and deadlines.