Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future consumed me. 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 shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a journey filled with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I find myself now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often ranks as one of the most frightful parts of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it might occupy your thoughts significantly. On the very first day of moving into my dormitory, a few days before classes began, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I could have hoped for at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others facing similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is worthwhile. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, that’s completely fine! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker activities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you have the chance to be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’ll definitely encounter folks who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassuring thought that everyone shares similar experiences. If you find something unclear, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who are in the same position. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to absorb in your initial year. Reach out to your classmates and instructors!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty members in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They show compassion towards students and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns throughout the academic year. I didn’t actively utilize the pastoral care resources until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I indeed took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to forge relationships with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with faculty, and it ranks among the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to fully utilize the help that is available to you. You can never have an excess!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated through the support available from both staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never isolated, and it has illustrated how to relish my experiences despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.