Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 timid and reserved self was prepared for. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the whole day secluding myself in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can assert that I’ve developed some of the greatest friendships during my time at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all starting with casual conversations with individuals in similar predicaments. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to help you engage with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to find those akin to you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in many ways, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can challenge your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me through this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are in the same boat. Hence, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek help from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and realize the challenges students encounter. They show understanding towards students and maintain regular communication throughout the academic year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking risks before – I took one at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many avenues to connect with staff, and it is one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this part of university is to utilize the support available. You can never receive too much!
Ultimately, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated by the support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and taught me how to find joy amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.