Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gathered this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be your greatest concern. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in the same boat. So, what insight did I gain? I found that it’s best to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not ready or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to assist you in connecting with others. Moreover, if you can be anything, be authentic. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and the university, you are sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was a clear transition from A-levels, and an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was recalling that everyone is navigating through the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, it’s likely that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most vital lesson in the first year. Seek help from friends and educators!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had embraced it earlier. I spoke about taking chances before – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are multiple ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be alleviated with the support from staff and fellow students. I’ve realized I’m never alone and how to relish my time despite pressures like exams and deadlines.