Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was a foreign concept for my previously timid and reserved self. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and countless enjoyable moments! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a future student, it could be among your greatest concerns. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester commencing, I spent the whole day hiding away in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can confidently state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people facing similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to aid you in connecting with others. I also learned that being authentic is essential. With a rich diversity of people in the program and throughout the university, you are sure to meet those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in many ways, an even greater challenge from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be a test of your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate by comparison. What helped me navigate this was the realization that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson in the freshman year. Approach your peers and faculty for help!
This brings me to my next observation. The staff in the Materials department are extraordinary. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the difficulties students encounter. They relate to us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. I referenced earlier about taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to interact with faculty, and it is one of the best decisions you can make for your personal growth! My main takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In general, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support from faculty and peers. It taught me that I am never truly alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.