Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing 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 familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I confronted was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your main concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too timid to step out and introduce myself to others. Reflecting on this now, I can confidently declare that I’ve made some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all started with a bit of small talk with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t worry! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to help you connect with others. I also realized that if you could be one thing, be yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the course and university; you’re sure to encounter people like you.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in certain ways, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment doesn’t always bolster your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who also struggle with it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
That leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They connect with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our issues. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that anxious feelings, both leading up to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself amid pressures like exams and deadlines.