Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unfamiliar was a significant departure for my normally shy and reserved nature. Looking back now, I realize it has been a year of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This tends to be one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be among your primary concerns. On my inaugural day moving into my dormitory, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day hiding in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet new people. Sitting here now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it initiated with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what was my takeaway? I realized that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, there’s no need to worry! There will be many opportunities and events designed to help you engage with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was the amount of work and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, with an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can shake your confidence; you may notice others studying and feel inadequate. Several strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is in a similar situation. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you that others feel the same. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to lean on your peers and the faculty!
This transitions me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. While I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. As I mentioned before about making bold moves – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it is surely one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university life is to leverage the resources available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find joy even amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.