Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, this could be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the most wonderful friendships at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, which all began with some casual conversations with individuals in similar predicaments. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the outset of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that authenticity is essential. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re guaranteed to encounter like-minded peers.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There certainly was a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in many respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be taxing on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can nearly assure you that your peers are also grappling with it. So, do not hesitate to seek assistance. This is perhaps the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to excel and acknowledge that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain consistent communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. I spoke of taking chances earlier – I seized one at the beginning of the year by taking on the role of a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the multitude of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to find enjoyment amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.