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 verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and shy self was familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a time filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most significant hurdles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be among your top worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the start of term, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too frightened to venture out and meet others. Yet, sitting here now, I can say with confidence that I’ve established some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known, right here at this university and in this program. I have created a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar situations as myself. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking a chance at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you are sure to find others like you.
Another challenge was the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable elevation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me navigate that sensation, one being the assurance that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to understand something, I can almost guarantee there are at least a handful of others who are also confused. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to acquire in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking leaps before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with faculty members, which is immensely valuable. There are many ways to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best moves you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support that is available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone, and it has taught me how to have fun while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.