Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of fun! But what insights have I gained, 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 parts of commencing university, and if you are a future student, it may be a significant concern for you. On my first day moving into my housing, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day in my room, too fearful to go out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and in my course. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? It’s advisable to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely ready, don’t worry! There are many ice-breaking events designed to help you connect with others. Also, if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With so many diverse people throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me through this, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, it’s likely that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Look for help from peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication with us regarding our issues. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support available from staff and fellow students. It has illustrated that I am never alone and has taught me how to have fun despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.