Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed 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. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I perceive a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year impart, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it could be a major worry for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term beginning, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, daunted by the prospect of stepping outside and engaging with others. Today, however, I can affirmatively state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships during my time at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s essential to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you will surely find those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the volume of work and difficulty of the material. There was indeed a significant jump from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar experiences. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you others share the same sentiment. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most vital skill to cultivate during your first year. Reach out to peers and staff!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to flourish and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I spoke about taking leaps previously – I took one by serving as a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to seize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
Ultimately, this year has imparted that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the multitude of support resources accessible from staff and fellow students. It has illustrated to me that I am never alone and taught me how to savor my experiences alongside challenges such as exams and deadlines.