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 journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was quite unfamiliar for my previously shy and reserved nature. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what have I learned, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just days before the semester started, I spent the entire day in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the most remarkable friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
Another challenge was coping with the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a notable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant jump from the first to the second term. Being thrown into such a setting can be hard on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me navigate this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others don’t either. Therefore, ask for assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to absorb in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in the Materials department are fantastic. They genuinely want you to prosper and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain consistent communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t make much use of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to harness the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the various support options available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find joy even when faced with pressures like exams and deadlines.