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 freshman. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my previously shy and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I realize that the year was filled with personal growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of starting university can definitely be one of the more daunting ones, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be a major worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my dorm, just days before classes started, I found myself spending the entire day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve built some of the most meaningful friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all stemmed from light conversations with those in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a plunge at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a variety of individuals across the course and university, you are destined to find those who connect with you.
An additional challenge was handling the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was definitely a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain ways, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be a blow to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who are also struggling. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to hone in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty within Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They sympathize with students and maintain open dialogues throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to form connections with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to seize the help available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment despite pressures like exams and deadlines.