Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and unsure 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 previously reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been a time of personal development, obstacles, and a considerable amount of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of commencing university can be quite daunting, and for any prospective student, it may be a significant worry. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days ahead of classes starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly state that I have forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, beginning with casual conversations with others facing similar situations. So, what’s my takeaway? It’s crucial to take that leap at the onset of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events await you to foster connections with others. I’ve also learned that authenticity is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals in the course and across the university, you’re guaranteed to meet those who resonate with you.
Another challenge revolved around the volume of work and the complexity of content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being in this environment can test your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A couple of strategies assisted me through this, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you struggle with something, I can almost assure you that many others do too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from fellow students and faculty!
This naturally leads to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication with us about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the academic year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I touched on taking leaps before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are multiple avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of apprehension regarding university are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated with the help accessible from both faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and has taught me how to find enjoyment even amid pressures such as examinations and deadlines.