Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my prior introverted and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back over the last year, I recognize a time filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand today?
One of the first and most challenging hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening parts of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your chief worries. On my initial day moving into my lodging, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Nevertheless, sitting here now, I can say with assurance that I’ve built some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all began by engaging in casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a chance at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, that’s alright! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and gatherings to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you have the opportunity to be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
An additional challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely a significant leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares a similar circumstance. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek support from both your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to flourish and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the academic year was concluding, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I spoke of taking leaps before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best endeavors you can undertake for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance being provided. You can never have too much support!
In general terms, this year has imparted the lesson that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the plethora of support resources available from staff and other students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.