Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was making friends. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking parts of entering university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my first day of moving into housing, a few days ahead of classes starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Yet today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my 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 take away from this? I discovered that it’s wise to make a bold move at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities to assist you in meeting new people. I also learned that being authentic is essential. With a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant transition from A-levels, and in many ways, the jump from the first term to the second was even greater. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. Several factors supported me through this, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If there’s something you don’t grasp, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson from my first year. Reach out for help from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They are invested in your success and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and keep in touch with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the year was nearly over, and I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is tremendously beneficial. There are various avenues to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the assistance provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find joy even amid pressures like exams and deadlines.