By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of nervousness, fear, and uncertainty about the journey ahead. I was on the cusp of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unknown was not something I was used to, having been quite shy and reserved in the past. Reflecting on this past year, I recognize it has been filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most overwhelming challenges was the task of making new friends. This aspect of beginning university can be particularly daunting, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may rank among your biggest concerns. On the first day of moving into my dorm, just days before classes commenced, I found myself spending the entire day tucked away in my room, too apprehensive to step out and greet anyone. However, sitting here now, I can affirm that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here in this course and at this university. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with fellow students in similar circumstances. So, what lesson did I take away? I found that taking a chance early in the year is always beneficial. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, that’s okay! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities and events designed to help you meet others. Additionally, I learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With the diversity of individuals in this course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was significant, and there was an even more substantial leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in this new environment can sometimes take a toll on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few insights aided me through that impression, one of which was the understanding that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost assure you that there are several others who don’t grasp it either. Therefore, reach out for assistance. This could very well be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Seek support from fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face difficulties. They show compassion towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make use of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. As I mentioned previously about taking leaps – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role helped me connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to utilize the assistance available to you. There is no such thing as too much support!
In general terms, this year has imparted the lesson that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are typically baseless and can be mitigated by the extensive support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.