Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you are considering this as a future student, it may be one of your major worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I have ever experienced at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with a bit of small talk with others in the same boat. So, what was my takeaway? I learned that it’s always wise to take a bold step at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded people.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase in difficulty from A-levels, and in some regards, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in coping with that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something doesn’t click for you, I can nearly guarantee there are others who feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek assistance from both your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really make use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about making bold moves – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are various ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to exploit the assistance provided. You can never have an excess of that!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unsubstantiated and can be eased by utilizing the diverse support options available from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone, and it has revealed how to enjoy myself despite pressures like exams and deadlines.