By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty 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 shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what have I learned, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be your biggest concern. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days before the term started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, I can say with assurance that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. What did I learn? It’s wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not yet ready or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, if there’s one thing to be, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to meet like-minded people.
Another difficulty was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things helped me navigate through this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you others are confused too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the struggles students face. They show compassion towards students and maintain ongoing communication regarding our concerns. I did not take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had earlier. I spoke of taking leaps previously – I made one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are various avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has made me realize that I am never alone and how to enjoy myself despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.