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 first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! So, what have I gained from this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the start of classes, I remained in my room the entire day, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. What did I discover? It’s beneficial to take a chance at the outset of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized the importance of being authentic. With a myriad of diverse individuals at the university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even greater transition from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can be detrimental to your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What supported me was remembering that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, chances are it’s unclear to others as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson of the first year. Reach out to fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students face challenges. They empathize and maintain ongoing communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps – I took a significant one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial things you can do for your own sake! My principal takeaway is to capitalize on the resources available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year taught me that apprehensive feelings about university are often baseless and can be eased with the backing available from staff and fellow students. It demonstrated to me that I am never alone and how to find joy amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.