By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and reserved nature was prepared for. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! 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 undoubtedly one of the more frightening aspects of beginning university, and if you are a future student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my first day of moving into my lodgings, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too fearful to step out and introduce myself. Sitting here today, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with small conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking occasions and activities to help you connect with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse group of people across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several things aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost assure you that others are grappling with it too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff within Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show compassion towards students and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t really tap into the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking bold steps before – I embraced one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role helped me build connections with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and this is one of the best things you can do for your benefit! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much of it!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, often lack basis and can be mitigated through the support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst challenges like exams and deadlines.