Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and great enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most challenging obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more fearsome parts of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it could be one of your major worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days ahead of the term starting, I spent the entire day hiding in my room, too intimidated to step out and introduce myself. However, sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever encountered, here at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all began with chatting with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking risks at the outset of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be many ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one trait, it’s to be yourself. With such a diverse group of people in the course and the university, you’re sure to find individuals like you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment doesn’t always boost your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things helped me get through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges as you. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who also don’t understand it. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to flourish and recognize that students face difficulties. They sympathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support resources until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had engaged with them earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – 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 faculty, which is incredibly valuable. There are many avenues to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the wisest things you can do for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to leverage the support that’s available to you. You can never have too much of it!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated by the myriad support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has shown me how to have fun while navigating stressors such as exams and deadlines.