By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt apprehensive and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the cusp of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I view this year as one filled with self-improvement, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too nervous to venture out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at the university and in my program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, which all commenced with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to facilitate connections with others. I also found that being yourself is essential. With such a wide array of individuals throughout the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a marked transition from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can test your self-esteem; you might see others studying and feel inferior. A few things aided me through this, one being the reminder that everyone faces similar challenges. If something isn’t clear, there are probably others in the same situation. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most important lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek guidance from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the difficulties students endure. They show understanding and keep consistent communication throughout the year concerning our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year was ending, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one by being a well-being representative for the year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are various ways to engage with faculty, and it’s among the best choices you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance provided. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year illustrated to me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the diverse support options available from faculty and fellow students. It showed me that I’m never alone and how to have fun despite pressures like exams and deadlines.