Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the cusp of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved and shy self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your major worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, several days before the semester started, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to step out and socialize. Today, however, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a step forward at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities will help you engage with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With a diverse range of people across the course and university, you will undoubtedly encounter like-minded individuals.
Another significant obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a notable increase from A-levels, and to some extent, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment isn’t always easy for your confidence; seeing others study might make you feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me manage that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something doesn’t click for you, I can almost assure you that others are also facing difficulties. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students encounter challenges. They connect with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year; I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to build relationships with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated by the numerous support options available through staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to find enjoyment alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.