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 verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I see a path of personal development, hurdles to overcome, 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 obstacles was forging friendships. This is often one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I found myself spending the whole day tucked away in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve built some of the most lasting friendships I’ve ever encountered, both here at this university and within this degree program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a bold step at the year’s beginning is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking moments and events to assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, I realized that if you can embrace one quality, let it be your true self. With a myriad of diverse individuals within the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who connect with you.
Another hurdle was tackling the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump between the first term and the second. Being thrown into such a situation can challenge your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. What supported me in overcoming this feeling was the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something isn’t clear, I can almost assure you that others are facing similar dilemmas. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This segues into my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges that students encounter. They relate to us and keep an open line of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I did not fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had accessed it sooner. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the greatest things you can do for your own development! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the available assistance. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various support systems from staff and fellow students. It has illustrated that I’m never alone and has taught me how to find joy amidst stresses such as exams and deadlines.