By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I perceive a year filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights has this year provided, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often ranks as one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be your primary concern. On my initial day settling into my lodging, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Sitting here today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best bonds I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this program. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be authentic. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
An additional hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable escalation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate those feelings, one being the realization that everyone shares similar experiences. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can almost guarantee there are others who are also perplexed. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware that students face difficulties. They show compassion towards students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated with the multitude of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has shown me how to find joy even amidst pressures like examinations and deadlines.