Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Now, upon reflection, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and abundant enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may rank among your top concerns. On my first day moving into my residence, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too frightened to exit and introduce myself to others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this institution and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with peers in similar situations. So, what did I come to understand? I realized that taking initiative at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and activities to facilitate your connections with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to discover those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the challenging content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in many respects, an even steeper leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel unqualified. A few strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one of which was the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly assure you that others are in the same boat. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might just be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Don’t hesitate to seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They are supportive and maintain ongoing communication with us regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to become acquainted with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated with the diverse support resources accessible from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone and how to enjoy my experience despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.