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 on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh entrant. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly reserved and timid self was used to. Looking back on the last academic year, I observe a path of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
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 considering becoming a student, it may weigh heavily on your mind. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days prior to classes commencing, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can assertively say I’ve forged some of the best friendships during my time at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what lesson did I take away? I discovered that taking a chance at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely ready or feel uneasy, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also recognized that being genuine is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and the university, you are sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another obstacle was the course load and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can take a toll on your confidence; you might perceive others as more competent and feel inadequate. What supported me through this was realizing that everyone is experiencing the same circumstances. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee that others are in the same boat. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Look for support from peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They relate to students and maintain ongoing dialogue about our difficulties. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking leaps earlier—I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position helped me connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main takeaway is to take full advantage of the available resources. You can never have excessive support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the various support systems from faculty and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never alone and has taught me how to relish my experiences despite the pressures of examinations and deadlines.