Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved personality was used to. Reflecting now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and lots of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is genuinely one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the entire day secluded in my room because I felt too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively claim that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was some casual conversation with people in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always preferable. If you don’t feel completely ready or comfortable, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with peers. I also understood that if you can choose one thing, choose to be yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the course and university; you’re bound to encounter people like you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always easy for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are at least a few others who also don’t get it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They desire for you to excel and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and keep consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really make use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances before – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support you’re being provided. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the extensive support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to have fun while managing stressors like exams and due dates.