Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my once shy and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as one filled with personal development, challenges, and an abundance of enjoyment! But what has this year imparted to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more fearsome aspects of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my very first day of moving into my residence, just days before classes began, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can affirm that I have made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it merely required some casual conversation with fellow students in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. There are numerous diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to encounter people similar to you.
Another obstacle was the amount of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly an increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things aided me through that sentiment, one being the assurance that everyone shares the same challenges. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can nearly guarantee that others do too. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most vital lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t actively utilize the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I previously mentioned taking chances—at the start of the year, I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the finest actions you can take for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never receive too much!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone, and it has demonstrated how to enjoy life amidst sources of stress such as exams and deadlines.