By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, 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. Engaging in the unfamiliar was not something my once timid and reserved personality was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making connections with others. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and for those considering it, it may be a substantial worry. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before the semester started, I spent the whole day in my room, too afraid to venture out and meet anyone. Today, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the start of the year is usually the best course of action. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the program and university, you are bound to encounter people who share your interests.
Another obstacle was the quantity of work and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel like you don’t measure up. A few things helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson learned in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are wonderful. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I did take one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance available. You can never receive too much help!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are usually unfounded and can be mitigated with the support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.