Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. As I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman, facing the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Upon reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and interact with others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with some casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I gain from this experience? I realized that taking a risk at the outset of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely at ease or ready, worry not! There will be numerous ice-breaker events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who connect with you.
Another obstacle was handling the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a distinctive increase from A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. What aided me through this was the realization that everyone is in a similar position. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others don’t either. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital skill to cultivate in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They desire for you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They show empathy towards us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had leveraged it sooner. I spoke of taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated and how to find enjoyment even in the face of pressures like exams and deadlines.