Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost 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. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was accustomed to. Now reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period rich in personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before classes began, I spent the whole day in my room, too apprehensive to go out and meet others. Today, though, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with those in similar situations. So, what did I glean? It’s critical to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to facilitate connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who click with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was a clear jump from A-levels, and an even more significant one from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; witnessing others studying might lead to feelings of inadequacy. What aided me was remembering that everyone is in the same situation. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely others are confused too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This might be the most important lesson of the first year. Seek assistance from both peers and staff!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They truly want you to succeed and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year was nearly over, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I did so by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to establish connections with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness before and during university are frequently baseless and can be eased with the support provided by staff and fellow students. I’ve discovered that I’m never alone and how to find joy amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.