Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead as I geared up to commence my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of development, hurdles, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently a major worry for incoming university students. On my initial day of moving into accommodation, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can enthusiastically say that I’ve built some of the best friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. The key takeaway? Be bold at the beginning of the year. If you’re not ready or at ease, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. Additionally, be authentic. With such a diverse community at the university, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even larger one from the first to the second term. Such an atmosphere can be hard on your self-esteem; you might feel insufficient compared to others. Keep in mind that everyone shares this experience. If you’re struggling to grasp something, chances are others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This is vital in the first year. Look for help from classmates and faculty!
The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They keep in touch with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I took the initiative at the start by becoming a year well-being representative, which allowed me to connect with staff members—an invaluable experience. There are multiple ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the finest things you can do for yourself. My main conclusion is to utilize the support available. You can never have an excess of help!
In summary, this year taught me that apprehensive feelings about university are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support provided by faculty and fellow students. It taught me that I’m never truly alone and demonstrated how to enjoy myself despite the pressures from exams and deadlines.