Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, 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 unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gathered this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is often among the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, daunted by the idea of venturing out and introducing myself to others. However, as I sit here today, I can assuredly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever encountered at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, which all began with light conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is essential. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events available to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty level of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee there are others who don’t either. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to internalize in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to thrive and understand that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and keep ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of 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 allowed me to establish connections with the faculty members, which is incredibly worthwhile. There are many avenues to connect with faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the support provided to you. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the numerous support resources available from staff and peers. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find joy despite the stresses of exams and deadlines.