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 verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Jumping into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously timid and quiet self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of joy! What insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is often among the most frightening parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be a significant worry. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, merely days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day in my room, too daunted to step out and interact with others. Now, I can assertively say I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. What did I learn? It’s advantageous to take a chance at the start of the year. If you’re not entirely ready or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker gatherings to facilitate connections with others. Moreover, if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can shake your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less capable. What aided me was recalling that everyone shares the same experience. If you find something confusing, I can nearly assure you that others do too. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the paramount lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for support from classmates and instructors!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges faced by students. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps previously – I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to engage with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to capitalize on the assistance provided. You can never have an excess!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased through the support available from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I’m never alone and has taught me how to savor my experience alongside pressures like exams and deadlines.