Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, 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. Taking such a step was not something my former shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! So, what insights has this year provided, and what’s my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your primary worries. On my first day moving into my dormitory, just days before the term began, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Yet, as I sit here now, I can assertively say I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, both in this course and at the university. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what’s my takeaway? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely ready or comfortable, that’s okay! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With the variety of people across the course and university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was definitely an escalation from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment isn’t always favorable to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few aspects helped me navigate that feeling, one being the awareness that everyone is in the same situation. If you struggle to understand something, I can nearly assure you that others do as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and keep in touch with us regularly throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I spoke earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get to know the staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main conclusion from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance you’re offered. You can never have too much of it!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to enjoy myself alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.