Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding my future. 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 previously timid and reserved 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, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making connections. This is often one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too scared to emerge and introduce myself. Today, however, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I gleaned? I found that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always a good idea. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and activities to assist you in connecting with fellow students. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals in the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. The jump from A-levels was substantial, and in certain aspects, there was an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can test your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me through this, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties that students encounter. They are sympathetic to students and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, yet I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances earlier – I ventured out by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are many avenues to get to know the faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased through the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never isolated and how to find joy despite challenges such as exams and deadlines.