Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure about my future. I was just about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back, I notice a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
Among the initial and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This can be one of the more daunting facets of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be a significant worry for you. On the first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the entire day confined to my room because I was too intimidated to venture out and meet others. Today, though, I am happy to report that I have made some of the best friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, which began with chatting with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody anything, be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of people in the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the realization that everyone is encountering similar struggles. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that there are at least a handful of others who also don’t grasp it. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for assistance from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely wish for you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by stepping into the role of a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the support being offered; you can never have too much!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased by the extensive support available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment amidst sources of stress like exams and deadlines.