Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of kicking off my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and timid self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is one of the more fearsome parts of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student, it might be one of your principal worries. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day cooped up in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the most incredible friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with peers in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With a plethora of diverse individuals across the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can nearly assure you that others are also struggling. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to learn in the first year. Seek support from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They are invested in your success and recognize that students encounter obstacles. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned before about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the assistance provided. You’ll never have too much!
In summary, this year has imparted to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are typically baseless and can be eased with the plethora of support available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never isolated, and it’s shown me how to have fun while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.