By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree 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 plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself today?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of starting university can be one of the most daunting, and if you’re an upcoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my inaugural day moving into my dorm, a few days ahead of the term starting, I remained in my room all day, too shy to venture out and introduce myself. However, today I can proudly say that I’ve established some of the greatest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. What did I learn? It’s beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, don’t stress! There will be numerous social events to assist you in meeting others. Also, the most important thing is to be yourself. With so many varied individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to discover kindred spirits.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a clear increase in difficulty from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can undermine your confidence; you may witness others studying and feel as though you’re falling behind. What helped me was the realization that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something confusing, I can nearly promise others do as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most vital lesson in the first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely care about your success and understand the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – one leap I took was becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can pursue! My main takeaway is to make the most of the help available. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be eased with the support available from staff and fellow students. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve learned to enjoy myself despite stressors like exams and deadlines.