By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I found myself anxious, fearful, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the cusp of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved personality was used to. Looking back now, I realize it has been a year of personal development, challenges, and a significant amount of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often among the most frightening parts of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be a major concern for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room because I felt too intimidated to go out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the closest friends I’ve ever encountered here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with brief conversations with individuals facing similar circumstances. So, what have I discovered? I’ve learned that it’s best to make an effort right at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t panic! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to aid you in connecting with others. I’ve also figured out that if you’re going to be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse range of people in the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle involved the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can severely impact your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Reach out to both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and realize that students face difficulties. They show compassion towards students and keep in continuous contact with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t engage with the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I referred to making bold moves earlier – I took one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the opportunities for assistance. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the support provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment amid pressures like exams and deadlines.