Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I perceive a path of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student perusing this, it may be a major concern for you. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can affirm that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t panic! There will be countless ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also understood that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a rise from A-levels, and in several respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into this environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me conquer that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others don’t understand it as well. So, ask for assistance. This might be the single most crucial thing to master in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They are dedicated to your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s truly one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the available assistance. You can never have excessive support!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that feelings of apprehension, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the numerous support resources provided by staff and peer students. It has taught me that I’m never solitary, and it has demonstrated how to enjoy my time while coping with stressors such as exams and deadlines.