Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening parts of entering university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day secluding myself in my room, too daunted to go out and meet others. Today, though, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships here at this university in this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the start of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking activities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With the diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge involved the academic workload and level of difficulty. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even steeper transition from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel less competent. A few things aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If there’s something you don’t grasp, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to internalize during your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to build relationships with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have an excess of help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to enjoy myself alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.