Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was accustomed to. Looking back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you are a future student reading this, it might be a concern for you. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to leave and meet others. Now, I can state with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in casual conversation with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous icebreaker events and opportunities to assist you in connecting with fellow students. I also found that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. There are so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to encounter people like you.
An additional challenge was the workload and the complexity of the subject matter. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into that kind of environment can be tough on your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel as though you don’t measure up. A few aspects helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same struggles. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure that there are others who are just as confused. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and keep lines of communication open throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had engaged it sooner. I mentioned previously about taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly worthwhile. There are numerous avenues to get acquainted with faculty, and it’s unquestionably one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson regarding this segment of university life is to seize the support that’s offered to you. You can never receive too much!
Overall, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the extensive support options available from faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never alone, and it’s illustrated how to enjoy myself despite the stressors such as exams and deadlines.