Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, 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 obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more nerve-wracking elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On the first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day cocooned in my room because I was too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself to anyone. However, sitting here now, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever made, here at this university and within this program. I have created a second family at Imperial, and it all stemmed from initiating small conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel entirely ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can be one thing, be yourself. With the diverse array of students across the course and the university, you’re sure to find your kindred spirits.
Another challenge I needed to tackle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undeniably a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can sometimes be daunting for your self-confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to understand something, I can nearly guarantee that there are a few others who are as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are truly remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They demonstrate empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t truly utilize the support services until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of them earlier. I spoke about taking leaps earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to get to know the staff, and it’s surely one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this part of university life is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have enough!
On a broader scale, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be mitigated with the plethora of support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and it has enabled me to appreciate myself amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.