Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved nature was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, 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 hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of embarking on university life, and if you happen to be reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your top worries. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term beginning, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room as I was too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can proudly affirm that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was initiating small conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s always best to take a chance at the start of the year. If you don’t quite feel equipped or at ease, don’t fret! There will be a multitude of ice-breaker activities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embrace one concept, be yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the program and university; you’re sure to meet people like yourself.
Another obstacle I had to navigate was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel as though you aren’t adequate. A few factors helped me manage that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in a similar situation as you. If you struggle with something, I can almost guarantee that there are at least a few others who also don’t grasp it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Request help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain persistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned at the outset about taking chances – I did take a leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of apprehension, both in the lead-up to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be eased by the plethora of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to revel in myself amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.