Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unfamiliar was not something my once-shy self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more fearsome parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your top worries. On the initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the entire day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the best friends I could have ever hoped for, both at this university and in my program. I’ve built a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I discovered that taking the initiative at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaking activities to aid you in connecting with others. I also found that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a significant transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be tough on your confidence; you might see peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me move past that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If something is unclear, I can nearly guarantee others are also confused. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson from the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware of the challenges students face. They are understanding and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our issues. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking initiatives earlier – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best steps you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never receive too much support!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated, and it has taught me how to find joy in my life despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.