Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unknown was not something my formerly timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your primary worries. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodations, a few days before classes began, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Sitting here today, I can affirm with confidence that I’ve made some of the closest friends I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, all it took was initiating small conversations with peers in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be yourself. With a diverse student population throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the challenging nature of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you struggle to grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson you learn in the first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy for students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get to know faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best steps you can take for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to seize the opportunities for assistance that are available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to balance enjoyment with stressors like exams and deadlines.