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 lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and reticent self was used to. Looking back now, 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 position?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This aspect of starting university is undeniably one of the more fearsome, and if you’re considering this as an incoming student, it may be one of your major concerns. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes kicked off, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step outside and mingle. Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say I’ve made some of the closest friends I’ve had here at university and within this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, which all began with light conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a plunge at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, that’s fine! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and activities to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s authentic. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was handling the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in many respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can challenge your self-assurance; you might observe others studying and feel like you’re falling behind. A few strategies helped me manage that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If something doesn’t click for you, I can virtually assure you others feel the same way. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for guidance from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want to help you succeed and are aware that students face challenges. They relate to our experiences and keep consistent communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the support system until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I talked about taking leaps earlier – I took one at the year’s outset by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is incredibly important. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with the staff, and it’s absolutely one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My strong takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the variety of support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.