Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed 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 something my once shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant in personal development, challenges, and enjoyment! But what insights has this year brought me, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most challenging hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into accommodations, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to go out and introduce myself to others. However, today I can proudly affirm that I have made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had here at university and in this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in similar predicaments. So, what have I gleaned from this? I learned that it’s best to take a risk at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you engage with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be genuine. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and campus, you’re sure to find peers who share your interests.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a noticeable elevation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me cope with that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that others are struggling with it too. So, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask your peers and the faculty for help!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had initiated it sooner. I talked about taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this segment of university life is to make the most of the support you’re provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often irrational and can be eased with the variety of support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never solitary, and it’s illustrated to me how to enjoy my time even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.