Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of beginning my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Reflecting now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most nerve-wracking obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re perusing this as a potential student, it could be among your largest concerns. On my very first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the whole day hidden away in my room because I was too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, as I sit here, I can assert that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve fostered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in small talk with others in similar situations. So, what did I uncover? I discovered that taking a leap at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker chances and events await to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be your true self. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge I had to navigate was the volume of work and difficulty of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me manage that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges as you. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that several others do too. So, seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They relate to students and consistently communicate with us throughout the academic year about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to establish rapport with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the finest actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support you receive. There’s no such thing as too much!
In a broader sense, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be alleviated by the plethora of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself in spite of stressors such as exams and deadlines.