By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, apprehension, 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 unknown was not a situation my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back over the past year, I recognize a transformative journey of personal growth, obstacles, and a significant amount of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term commencing, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? It’s advisable to make a move at the start of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaking activities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that being true to yourself is crucial. With the vast array of diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people with similar mindsets.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a distinct leap from A-levels, and an even more pronounced jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe peers studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can nearly assure you that others are, too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to cultivate during your first year. Reach out for help from classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain open communication throughout the academic year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had engaged with it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never receive too much assistance!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased through the various support mechanisms offered by staff and fellow students. I have learned that I am never truly alone and how to find enjoyment despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.