Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what the future would bring. I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! So, what lessons has this year imparted to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the earliest and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is definitely one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your most significant worries. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day concealed in my room because I felt too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. However, as I sit here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever known, here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and all it required was sparking small conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be yourself. There are so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to find others like you.
Another obstacle I needed to overcome was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always easy for your confidence; you might see others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation as you. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are several others who also don’t understand it. So, seek help. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Ask for assistance from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our struggles. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to build connections with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best steps you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be mitigated by the multitude of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself despite the stressors like exams and deadlines.