By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fears, and uncertainties about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unfamiliar wasn’t something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and for any prospective students reading this, it could be a significant concern. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes began, I spent the entire day retreating into my room, too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself to fellow students. Nevertheless, sitting here today, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a bold step at the outset of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be countless ice-breaking occasions and events to facilitate your connections with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and the university, you are likely to find individuals who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always conducive to confidence; witnessing others study may leave you feeling inadequate. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly guarantee that others are also confused. Thus, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students face challenges. They show understanding towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking bold steps earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to become acquainted with the faculty, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has illustrated that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to find joy even amid sources of stress like exams and deadlines.