Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously introverted and quiet self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year bring, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of entering university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be a considerable worry for you. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Today, however, I can assertively say that I’ve 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 kicked off with some casual conversation with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always best to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also found that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I faced was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always an easy blow to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you others are in the same boat. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out for help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the supportive resources until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are various ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have an excess of it!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the myriad support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never solitary and how to find joy amidst challenges like exams and deadlines.