Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed 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. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly introverted self had ever embraced. In hindsight, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and for those reading this as prospective students, it may be one of your chief worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. However, as I sit here now, I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I have ever had, both at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections. I also learned that the best advice is to simply be yourself. With a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed 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 environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something baffles you, I can almost assure you that there are others who feel the same way. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to your fellow students and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had acted sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I indeed took one at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which holds tremendous importance. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway regarding this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much assistance!
All in all, this year has illustrated that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by utilizing the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated, and it has revealed how to find joy in the midst of stressors such as exams and deadlines.