Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, during October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain 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 timid and introverted self was used to. In retrospect, I can see an academic year rich with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most overwhelming obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might be a significant concern for you. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the semester’s beginning, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room due to feeling too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Now, as I sit here, I can confidently state that I have made some of the greatest friends I’ve ever known, here at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in small talk with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel quite prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be ample ice-breaker occasions and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to encounter others who resonate with you.
Another challenge I had to navigate was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few thoughts helped me get through that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is in the same situation as you. If you’re struggling to understand something, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who are equally perplexed. So, seek assistance. This may well be the most vital lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They are empathetic towards students and keep in constant touch with us throughout the year concerning our difficulties. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did make a leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. Holding this position allowed me to build relationships with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this part of university life is to seize the opportunities for help available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Overall, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be mitigated by the numerous support avenues available through staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.