Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Diving into something so unfamiliar wasn’t typical for my previously shy and reserved nature. Reflecting on the year, I recognize it as a time rich with personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges I confronted was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating elements of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodations, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entirety of that day tucked away in my room, feeling too daunted to venture out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can assuredly state that I’ve formed some of the most remarkable friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve built a second family here at Imperial, and it only required striking up casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what was my takeaway? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t be concerned! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing to embrace, be yourself. There’s such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university; you’ll definitely find others like you.
An additional challenge was the workload and the complexity of content. There was certainly a significant leap from A-levels, and in some ways, an even more substantial shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes affect your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel like you’re not measuring up. A few strategies aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone finds themselves in the same predicament. If there’s something you don’t grasp, I can nearly assure you that a few others are struggling with it as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to master during your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They are empathetic toward students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – 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 incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the help that’s available to you. You can never receive too much!
In general, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are typically unfounded and can be alleviated through the wide array of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has helped me understand how to enjoy myself even while facing stressors like exams and deadlines.