Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the journey ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my typically shy and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current standing?
One of the primary and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you are a future student reading this, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the entire day in my room, too apprehensive to go outside and interact with others. Today, however, I can proudly claim that I have made some of the finest friends at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I learn? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is vital. If you’re not prepared or comfortable yet, don’t fret! There will be many ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also understood that being authentic is essential. With so many varied individuals across the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undeniably a significant increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can shake your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me through this was the awareness that everyone is in a similar predicament. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others don’t too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This might be the most important lesson learned in the first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty for assistance!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely wish for your success and acknowledge the challenges students endure. They show empathy and keep in touch with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully make use of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the year’s commencement by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with the staff, and it is one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the support provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that the anxious feelings related to starting and attending university are often baseless and can be eased with the various support resources available from faculty and peers. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to embrace enjoyment despite pressures like exams and deadlines.