By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Engaging with the unknown was an experience that my previously introverted and reserved self was not familiar with. Reflecting on this past year, I recognize a journey of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was the process of making friends. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university life, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your major worries. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just days before classes began, I spent the entire time cocooned in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. However, now I can proudly state that I have formed some of the best friendships of my life here at this university and throughout this course. I’ve discovered a second family within Imperial, and it all commenced with initiating casual conversations with people who were in similar situations. So, what did I learn? 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 an abundance of ice-breaker events and opportunities to aid you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you could be anything, be authentic. With such a diverse group of people in the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded souls.
Another significant challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to building confidence; you may observe others studying and feel a sense of inadequacy. A few strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone else is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can nearly guarantee that others do too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for support from fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in the Materials department is outstanding. They are dedicated to your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking risks before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to build relationships with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this part of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the many support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy amid pressures like exams and deadlines.