Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what the future would bring. 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 previously introverted and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I perceive a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I gathered this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On the first day of moving into my dormitory, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day in my room, too nervous to venture out and greet others. Today, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the most incredible friends I’ve ever had here at university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and activities to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals within the course and the university, you’re sure to find those who share your interests.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and complexity of the material. There was certainly an elevation from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies assisted me in coping with that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are facing the same difficulties. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to absorb in the first year. Look for support from your classmates and the instructors!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter obstacles. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t completely take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking initiatives before – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to leverage the assistance provided. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support resources offered by faculty and peers. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to find enjoyment despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.