Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. 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 timid and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is commonly one of the most daunting parts of embarking on university life, and if you’re a prospective student, it may be your greatest anxiety. On my initial day of settling into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the semester start, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships during my time here at university and in my program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk at the outset of the year can be tremendously rewarding. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that it’s essential to be yourself. With such a wide range of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who click with you.
Another challenge was coping with the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly an increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being in this kind of setting can test your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. What benefited me was the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something puzzling, I can almost guarantee that others do too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Seek help from classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials is outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the difficulties students encounter. They relate to us and engage in ongoing dialogue throughout the year regarding our issues. I did not take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I regret not utilizing it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I embraced one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to leverage the resources available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, whether prior to or during university, are frequently unjustified and can be mitigated with the assistance available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.