By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, scared, and uncertain about what lay ahead. 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 once shy and reserved nature was used to. Reflecting on the year, I recognize a period filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gleaned from this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most daunting hurdles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day of moving into my housing, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day hiding in my room due to feeling too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, I can confidently say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced here at university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, initiated by engaging in casual conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I glean? I discovered that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t quite feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaking opportunities and events to foster connections with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded individuals.
A further challenge was the intensity of the workload and the challenging content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always easy on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that others are puzzled too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking risks at the outset; I took one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with the staff, and it is certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never have too much aid!
On the whole, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be alleviated through the various support systems available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never alone, and it’s illustrated how to find enjoyment alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.