Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Just ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, 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 formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I stand now?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often ranks as one of the most frightening parts of beginning university, and if you find yourself reading this as a potential student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, far too nervous to venture out and meet others. Sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve cultivated some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, both at this university and within this degree. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in analogous situations. So, what did I come to realize? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. Even if you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of opportunities and events designed to break the ice and help you connect with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. Among the many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you will surely find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was navigating the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was definitely an elevation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you there are others who also don’t. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Ask for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty within Materials is exceptional. They are invested in your success and understand the difficulties that students confront. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I took one at the year’s inception by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is highly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key insight from this aspect of university is to exploit the available support. You can never have an excess of it!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the abundant support options accessible from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and has taught me how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.