Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about the future. I was set to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into the unknown was far from what my former shy and introverted self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, it has been a time rich with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this experience, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This certainly ranks among the more fearful elements of beginning university life, particularly if you’re a prospective student reading this, as it may be one of your primary concerns. On the day I first moved into my accommodation, just days prior to the term start, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to others. Yet today, I can proudly declare that I’ve established some of the finest friendships I’ve ever made, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what lessons did I take away? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking opportunities and events to encourage connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and, in some regards, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a challenging setting can sometimes affect your confidence; you may observe others studying and start to doubt your abilities. A few strategies helped me navigate those feelings, one of which was the acknowledgment that everyone faces similar challenges. If something confounds you, I can nearly assure you that there are others equally perplexed. Therefore, seek assistance. This might just be the most crucial lesson learned in your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your classmates and instructors!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in the Materials department are outstanding. They are genuinely invested in your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and this is undoubtedly one of the best moves you can make for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this university experience is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of apprehension, both leading up to and during university, are generally unfounded and can be mitigated by the numerous support resources offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has shown me how to relish my experiences alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.