By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was just about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into the unknown was not something my once shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I view a year rich in personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what has this year conveyed to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be one of your major worries. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day confined to my room because I felt too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can affirmatively state that I’ve created some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all began with a little small talk with fellow individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s always preferable to take a leap at the year’s beginning. If you’re not feeling prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse crowd across the course and university, you’re sure to find kindred spirits.
Another challenge was the sheer volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in many ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can take a toll on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less competent. A few things assisted me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares a common experience. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can nearly assure you that others are in the same position. So, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to master in your first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely desire for you to thrive and recognize that students encounter challenges. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our issues. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I did take one at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be alleviated with the many support options available from staff and other students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to have fun despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.