Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my once timid and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I perceive a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day moving into my housing, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day confined to my room because I felt too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can confidently affirm that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I have created a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. There’s a wide variety of people throughout the course and university; you are sure to encounter individuals like you.
Another challenge was the degree of workload and complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can often be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can nearly assure you that there are at least several others who are also facing difficulties. Therefore, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Do not hesitate to seek help from both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They sincerely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this part of university is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have an excess of it!
On a broader scale, this year has illustrated that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are generally unfounded and can be mitigated by the myriad of support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.