Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety 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 formerly reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I perceive a year abundant with personal development, hurdles, 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 obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening elements of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it could be a significant worry. On my first day settling into my housing, a few days prior to the semester kick-off, I remained in my room the entire day, too fearful to step out and socialize. Today, I can assert with confidence that I have forged some of the most meaningful friendships here at university and in my program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual chats with individuals in identical circumstances. So, what wisdom did I acquire? I learned that it’s advantageous to take a chance at the start of the year. If you’re not ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in meeting others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse population across the program and university, you are certain to identify those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was a clear leap from A-levels, and even more so from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can shake your self-esteem; you might observe fellow students studying and feel inadequate. What assisted me was recalling that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re struggling with something, it’s likely that others are too. So, seek assistance. This may be the most vital lesson from the first year. Don’t hesitate to request help from classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing dialogue about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it is one of the greatest decisions you can make! My main insight is to fully utilize the assistance provided. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support accessible from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to have fun despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.