Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and private self was ready for. Looking back, I see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting components of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your foremost worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. Today, though, I can assertively say that I’ve built some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I realize? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be genuine. With such a diverse community throughout the course and university, you’re certain to find those who click with you.
Another hurdle was the demanding workload and complexity of the content. There was indeed a jump 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 challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. Several factors helped me overcome that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost assure you that others are facing similar challenges. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the single most crucial ability to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty for support!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face obstacles. They relate to the students and keep open communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking chances previously – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role gave me the opportunity to connect with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many avenues to familiarizing yourself with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the greatest things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to embrace the resources available. You can’t have too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never isolated, and it has taught me how to have fun while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.