Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt uneasy and uncertain about the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Jumping into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid self was used to. Reflecting on this past year, I recognize it has been a time of development, challenges, and enjoyment! But what have I gained from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an aspiring student, it may be a significant worry. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the entire day in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet people. Now, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the finest friends during my time at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, initiated by brief conversations with others in similar circumstances. What did I take away from this? It’s important to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not ready or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, if you can embody one thing, be your authentic self. With such a diverse range of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find individuals who share your mindset.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can challenge your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel unworthy. What aided me was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar situations. If you don’t grasp a concept, others likely share the same challenge. Therefore, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges that students encounter. They show empathy and maintain contact with us throughout the academic year. I didn’t fully take advantage of the support services until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I spoke of taking chances before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous opportunities to interact with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My primary takeaway is to seize the opportunities for assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety about university are often undeserved and can be lessened with the support that faculty and fellow students provide. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.