Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what the future held. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embarking on this unfamiliar journey was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the year, I recognize it as a time rich with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of entering university, and if you are a prospective student, it might be among your greatest worries. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day hidden away in my room, far too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself. Nowadays, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with simple conversations with individuals in comparable circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, that’s alright! There will be plenty of opportunities for ice-breakers and events to help you interact with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and the university, you are sure to find people who are just like you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, the transition from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being dropped into such an atmosphere can be challenging to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone finds themselves in similar circumstances. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that others are grappling with it too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They are empathetic towards us and maintain continuous communication throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking risks earlier – I did take one at the year’s outset by stepping up as a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this component of university life is to fully utilize the assistance that is provided to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both in anticipation of and while attending university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the available support from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated and how to relish my experiences even amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.