Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy self was used to. In hindsight, I recognize a year rich in personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be a significant worry. On my initial day settling into my housing, a few days before classes commenced, I stayed entirely in my room, too daunted to go out and mingle. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the closest friends here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all beginning with simple conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s best to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker activities to aid you in connecting with others. I also learned to embrace my true self. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and the university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear transition from A-levels, and an even steeper rise from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may feel inferior compared to your peers. What aided me was recalling that everyone shares the same circumstances. If you’re struggling to grasp something, others likely are too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial piece of advice during your first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the difficulties students endure. They relate to our experiences and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year. I didn’t fully capitalize on the pastoral support until the close of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. As I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position helped me connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are numerous methods to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the finest choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of anxiety regarding university are often unwarranted and can be eased with the help provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and has taught me how to have fun despite the pressure from exams and deadlines.