Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was set to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a journey of personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what have I discovered, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be your primary worry. On my inaugural day moving into my residence, a few days before the term kicked off, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I have ever had, both at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that making a bold move at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t be alarmed! There will be ample ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With so many varied individuals across the course and the university, you are sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the content. It was certainly a step up from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you are struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who are as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Seek support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware that students encounter difficulties. They are sympathetic to students’ challenges and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did take a leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it is one of the most constructive things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance available. You can never receive too much!
All in all, this year has demonstrated that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment in the face of stressors like exams and deadlines.