Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day concealing myself in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet new people. Today, however, I can assert that I’ve built some of the closest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with some casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean? I discovered that it’s valuable to take a step forward at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, worry not! There will be numerous ice-breaker events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is vital. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you are likely to encounter others who share your interests.
An additional challenge was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was a distinct increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be daunting for your self-esteem; you might notice others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming this, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same feelings. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware that students face hardships. They show empathy towards students and keep open lines of communication concerning our challenges. I didn’t make use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to get acquainted with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your journey! My primary takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance provided. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unsubstantiated and can be eased by the support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy even in the face of pressures like exams and deadlines.