Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, 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. Entering the unknown was not something my once-timid and quiet self was familiar with. Reflecting on the year, I recognize a time of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This is certainly one of the more nerve-wracking parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the semester start, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Yet, sitting here now, I can boldly share that I’ve formed some of the most amazing friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking the plunge at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate your connections with others. I also discovered that if there is one thing you can be, be authentic. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the academic workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something is unclear, I can nearly assure you that others are struggling with it too. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They are empathetic towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role provided me with the opportunity to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s truly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the help that’s available to you. You can never get too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased with the variety of support options presented by staff and other students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has revealed ways to enjoy myself alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.