Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure of what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t an experience my previously shy and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and abundant enjoyment! But what have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. This is truly one of the more formidable components of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be among your foremost worries. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term’s commencement, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room because I felt too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the onset of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities will aid you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be authentic. There is an array of diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you are bound to encounter people akin to you.
Another challenge I had to navigate was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always kind to your self-assurance; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me during those times, one being the reminder that everyone shares your experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are at least a few others who don’t understand either. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Request help from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and comprehend that students face challenges. They show compassion towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had availed myself of it earlier. I spoke of taking leaps at the start; I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly advantageous. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to embrace the assistance being offered to you. You can never have an excess of help!
In a broader sense, this year has imparted that anxious feelings, both leading up to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be mitigated with the multitude of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself even alongside sources of stress such as exams and deadlines.