Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, 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 a scenario my formerly shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what have I gained from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more frightening elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Now, I can proudly declare that I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this institution and in this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with a few casual conversations with people in identical situations. So, what did I grasp? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker occasions and gatherings to aid in connecting with others. I also discovered that being genuine is essential. With so many diverse individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things supported me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize the challenges students encounter. They are empathetic and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized it sooner. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position helped me connect with the faculty members, which is extremely beneficial. There are various ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the best steps you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this university aspect is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have an excess of support!
To sum up, this year has taught me that the feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be diminished by the myriad support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s demonstrated to me that I’m never alone, and it’s shown me how to relish my experience while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.