By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, fear, and uncertainty concerning what lay ahead. I was on the brink of beginning my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of starting university can be quite daunting, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your most significant worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too afraid to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the most amazing friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was initiating simple conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I come to understand? I learned that taking the initiative 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-breaker events and opportunities to help you reach out to others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
An additional challenge was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few factors aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that there are others who also don’t comprehend it. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to get to know the faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My main insight from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has illuminated that anxious feelings, both leading up to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be alleviated through the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to enjoy myself alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.