Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was far from what my previously timid and reserved personality was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re considering this as a potential student, it may be among your primary worries. On move-in day, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too daunted to step outside and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities and events that encourage you to connect with others. I also found that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse range of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find individuals who share your interests.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you might see your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experiences. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost guarantee that there are others who don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn during the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the support services until the year’s end, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly insightful. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this element of university life is to fully utilize the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
In a broader sense, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated with the vast support options available from both faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.