Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 reserved self was used to. Reflecting back, I recognize a year marked by personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was making connections with others. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re reading this as an aspiring student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Sitting here now, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, which all commenced with brief conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s essential to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist in forming connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter those with similar interests.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely an escalation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate through that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who are also puzzled. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke earlier about taking risks – I took 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 is undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have an excess!
In broad terms, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated with the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to have fun while managing sources of stress such as exams and deadlines.