By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This commonly stands out as one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be among your greatest concerns. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day confined in my room, too frightened to venture out and socialize. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever known, here at this institution and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what lesson have I learned? I discovered that it’s best to take a leap at the start of the year. If you’re not ready or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you forge connections with others. I also recognized that if you can embody one trait, let it be authenticity. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and the university, you’re destined to encounter those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even more significant shift from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an atmosphere isn’t always conducive to your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can nearly assure you that others are grappling with the same confusion. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I did not fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking leaps before – I embraced one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, whether before or during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the plethora of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone, and it has illuminated how to find joy amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.