Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, 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 forming friendships. This is commonly one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you happen to be a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes started, I remained in my room the whole day, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Nevertheless, reflecting today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve cultivated some of the most wonderful friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, beginning with some casual conversations with individuals in similar predicaments. So, what have I gleaned? I’ve realized that taking a chance at the start of the year tends to be most beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should prioritize, it’s being yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to meet those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can nearly guarantee there are others who share your confusion. Therefore, seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely care about your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards us and maintain constant dialogue throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really engage with the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking leaps previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are countless ways to connect with faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson learned from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support provided. You can never have too much assistance!
In conclusion, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the myriad support systems available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone and how to find enjoyment alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.