Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what the future held. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unknown was not something my former shy and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a time rich with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! So, what lessons did this year provide, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forging friendships. This is indeed one of the more daunting elements of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be a major concern for you. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room because I was too intimidated to go out and meet others. However, sitting here now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversation with others in similar situations. So, what wisdom did I gain? I learned that it’s best to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with fellow students. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, it should be to be yourself. With a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant shift from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experiences. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who also do not grasp it. Thus, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Ask for help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the struggles faced by students. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are many avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this segment of university life is to leverage the assistance being provided. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has enlightened me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated through the diverse support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself amid stressors like exams and deadlines.