Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain 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 formerly reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
One of the early and most intimidating obstacles was making connections. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student, it may be a significant worry. On my first day settling into my dormitory, days prior to the term kicking off, I spent the entire day in my room, too fearful to venture out and socialize. Today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and in my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. What did I realize? It’s advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t prepared or feel uneasy, don’t panic! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, be authentic. With such a diverse student body at the university, you’re sure to find like-minded individuals.
Another hurdle was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels, even more so from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can be challenging to your confidence; you might feel less capable compared to your peers. What aided me was the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If something confuses you, it’s likely that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most vital lesson in your first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the difficulties students encounter. They relate to us and maintain ongoing communication regarding our challenges. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I took a chance at the outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This position helped me build connections with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous avenues to get to know the staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson is to take full advantage of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and taught me how to have fun despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.