Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, scared, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it might be one of your main worries. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, feeling too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was a bit of small talk with others in similar situations. So, what have I discovered? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always a great idea. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, fear not! There will be plenty of ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you are bound to find others who are just like you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into this kind of environment can be tough on your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same struggles. If you find something confusing, I can almost assure you that there are others who share that confusion. So, reach out for help. This may be one of the most crucial skills to acquire in your first year. Seek assistance from your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year was drawing to a close, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support you are provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy life alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.