Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay 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 previously timid and reserved self was used to. Now, looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making connections. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be a major worry for you. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days ahead of classes, I spent the entire day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which began with casual conversations with those in similar situations. What did I learn? It’s essential to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or feel awkward, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is vital. With such a diverse population within the program and university, you will definitely find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge concerned the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a stark increase from A-levels, and even more so from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me through this, one being the reassurance that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something doesn’t make sense, I can almost assure you that others are confused too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This might be the most important lesson of the first year. Seek guidance from peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication about our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking leaps – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to engage with faculty members, which is priceless. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main takeaway is to take full advantage of the available assistance. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and has taught me how to have fun alongside challenges like exams and deadlines.