Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead as I geared up to start my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid self was used to. Looking back on the previous academic year, I recognize a path filled with personal development, hurdles, and enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can be overwhelming when entering university, and for prospective students, it may be a major concern. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too nervous to step out and meet others. Nevertheless, I can now confidently declare that I have forged some of the greatest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. What did I discover? It’s essential to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to assist you in connecting with others. Also, just be yourself. With such a wide array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the challenging content. There was a distinct leap from A-levels, and an even greater transition from the first term to the second term. Being in such a setting can impact your self-esteem; you might feel inferior compared to your peers. What supported me was recalling that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, others probably feel the same. Thus, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This is arguably the most vital lesson from the first year. Reach out to both peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The instructors in the Materials department are wonderful. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges that students encounter. They are empathetic and maintain ongoing communication regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I took a risk at the beginning by becoming a year well-being representative, which allowed me to become acquainted with the staff, an invaluable opportunity. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for your benefit! My main conclusion is to leverage the support available. You can never have an excess of it!
Ultimately, this year has enlightened me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the backing provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I’m never alone and has taught me how to enjoy my experience despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.