Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year bring, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was developing friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re a future student, it might cause significant concern. On my initial day moving into my dorm, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in the same boat. What did I learn? It’s important to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, if you can be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can challenge your self-esteem; you may observe others engrossed in their studies and feel inadequate. What helped me was the realization that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This might be the most essential skill to acquire in your first year. Reach out for help from classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had embraced it earlier. I mentioned taking chances previously – I did so at the year’s outset by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My main takeaway is to utilize the resources available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of apprehension, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone and taught me how to have fun despite challenges like exams and deadlines.