Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I found myself anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of beginning my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Leaping into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and immense enjoyment! But what have I gained from this past year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This certainly ranks among the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it might be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room because I felt too intimidated to leave and introduce myself to others. Now, sitting here, I can proudly proclaim that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and all it required was some small talk with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always wise 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 plenty of opportunities and events to help you connect with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. There is such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to locate people similar to you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the difficulty of content. There was surely an increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being suddenly immersed in such an atmosphere can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me through that sensation, one being the understanding that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also don’t understand. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Ask for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain continuous communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I previously mentioned taking chances— I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is tremendously valuable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My major takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance that is being offered to you. You can never have too much!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both leading up to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the numerous support avenues available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and has demonstrated how to enjoy myself amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.