Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the journey ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Now, in hindsight, I recognize a year abundant with personal growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most formidable obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. However, today I can assertively say I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it only took a bit of casual conversation with individuals in comparable situations. So, what lesson did I glean? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fear not! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of people across the program and university, you’re sure to meet individuals similar to you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something unclear, I can almost assure you there are others who also do. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students encounter. They relate to students and maintain open communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly make use of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I spoke of taking leaps before – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has helped me learn to enjoy myself while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.