Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, 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. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and reserved nature was used to. Looking back, I realize this year has been filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can proudly say I’ve cultivated some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it only required initiating small talk with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of people across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things helped me to overcome that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same path. If you find something confusing, I can almost assure you there are others who feel the same. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to prosper and recognize that students face difficulties. They are sympathetic to students’ struggles and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly valuable. There are many ways to familiarize yourself with faculty, 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 utilize the assistance being provided. You can never receive too much help!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated through the various support resources accessible from the faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst challenges such as exams and deadlines.