Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reticent self was used to. Looking back over the past year, I recognize a time filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of classes starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breakers and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being genuine is essential. With the vast array of diverse individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and complexity of the content. There was undeniably a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies aided me in managing this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This could be the most vital lesson to be learned in the first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain regular communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I made 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 extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the help available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are typically unfounded and can be mitigated through the support systems offered by faculty and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never alone and taught me how to find joy even amid stressors like exams and deadlines.