Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and skepticism about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening components of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your largest worries. On my initial day settling into accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I remained in my room the whole day, too daunted to step out and meet others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with others facing similar circumstances. So, what did I conclude? It’s always best to take a leap at the start of the year. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being true to yourself is essential. With such a wide range of individuals throughout the course and university, you are bound to find those who resonate with you.
Another difficulty I faced was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a significant increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, a more substantial shift from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors aided me in navigating this, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. So, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from fellow students and staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They are eager to see you succeed and understand the challenges students encounter. They are compassionate and maintain open communication regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps — I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to build rapport with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s among the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased through the various support avenues provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and taught me how to enjoy myself in spite of pressures such as exams and deadlines.