Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I experienced a mix of 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 foreign to my previously shy and introverted self. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and immense enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an aspiring student, it may rank high on your list of concerns. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just days ahead of the term, I spent the whole day secluded in my room because I felt too anxious to go out and meet anyone. However, sitting here today, I can proudly assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and within this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, all starting from casual conversations with peers in similar circumstances. So, what have I taken away from this? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to help you engage with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse population across the course and university, you’re sure to find individuals like you.
Another obstacle I had to tackle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be tough on your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the realization that everyone is in the same situation. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that a few others are in the same boat. So, seek assistance. This might be the crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy for students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the supportive resources until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the outset of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has demonstrated that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased with the multitude of support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has revealed how to relish my time despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.