Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. 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 shy and introverted self embraced. Reflecting back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be your biggest concern. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to step out and meet others. Today, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had during my time at university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what’s the lesson? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is crucial. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to connect with others. I also found that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting isn’t always beneficial for boosting your confidence; witnessing others study might leave you feeling inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that mindset, one being the reassurance that everyone shares the same experience. If you struggle to grasp a concept, I can nearly assure you that others are facing the same difficulty. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could very well be the most vital lesson to take from your first year. Ask for guidance from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students encounter challenges. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly engage with the pastoral support until near the end of the year, but I wish I had earlier. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – one such leap I took at the year’s inception was becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to utilize the support accessible to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the myriad of support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has illustrated to me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy my time even amid pressures like exams and deadlines.