Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh entrant. Venturing into uncharted territory was not something my typically shy and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I realize I’ve experienced a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can be one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student, this might be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Today, I’m glad to say that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever known, here at this university and within this program. I have created a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I discovered? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and activities to foster connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the program and university, you’re sure to meet those who resonate with you.
Another significant challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a noticeable shift from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more substantial leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can sometimes impact your confidence; you might notice others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me counteract that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you find something confusing, it’s almost guaranteed there are others who feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could very well be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff within the Materials department are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students experience challenges. They relate to students and consistently maintain communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred earlier to taking leaps – at the start of the year, I took a leap by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the available support. You can never have too much of it!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased by the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find joy amid pressures like exams and deadlines.