Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unknown was not something my former shy self was used to. Now, reflecting back, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, 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 hurdles was forging friendships. This is often one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it might be a concern for you. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just days before classes began, I spent the whole day in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and socialize. Today, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the closest friends during my time at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with those in similar positions. What have I learned? It’s essential to take a chance at the onset of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized the importance of being true to yourself. Amidst so many diverse individuals in the course and university, you’ll encounter others who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What helped me was reminding myself that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something unclear, it’s likely that others do as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson of the first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication with us concerning our challenges. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are many avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway is to utilize the support available. You can never receive too much assistance!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxieties about university are frequently unwarranted and can be alleviated with the available support from faculty and fellow students. I’ve learned that I’m never alone and have discovered how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.