Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, frightened, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Reflecting back, I now recognize an academic year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and immense enjoyment! But what has this past year imparted, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most overwhelming hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This often stands out as one of the most intimidating parts of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student perusing this, it might be a primary concern for you. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day cocooned in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was a bit of small talk with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I glean from this? I discovered that taking an initial leap at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaking chances and events will arise to facilitate connections with others. I also recognized that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With the diverse array of people enrolled in the program and university, you will surely encounter those who are akin to you.
Another hurdle was handling the workload and the level of complexity of the content. There was certainly an elevation 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 beneficial for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel as though you fall short. Several factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same waters. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are grappling with it too. So, seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They understand students’ struggles and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I spoke of taking leaps earlier – at the start of the year, I embraced this by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. There’s no such thing as too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that nervous feelings, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the variety of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated, and it has shown me how to relish my experience alongside pressures like exams and deadlines.