Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Plunging into the deep end was not something my previously shy and reserved personality was accustomed to. Reflecting on this year, I recognize an academic journey brimming with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what has this year imparted to me, and what is my current position?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more fearsome facets of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On the first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term’s commencement, I spent the entire day secluded in my room as I was too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively say that I’ve established some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, both within this university and this course. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was a bit of small talk with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean from this experience? I discovered that taking a plunge at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be myriad ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also grasped that if there is one thing to be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I had to navigate was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation as you. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who are equally perplexed. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could very well be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and appreciate that students face challenges. They understand students’ struggles and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I indeed took one 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 an immensely valuable endeavor. There are numerous avenues to get to know the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
On a broader scale, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated through the extensive support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.