By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself into the unknown was a departure from the shy and reserved person I used to be. Looking back, I now recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and lots of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more challenging elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term’s start, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too intimidated to step out and meet others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve cultivated some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with people in similar predicaments. So, what have I discovered? I’ve realized that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is crucial. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker events and opportunities to engage with others. Additionally, I’ve come to understand that if you can be anything, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to connect with like-minded people.
Another obstacle I faced was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe your peers studying and feel out of your depth. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the assurance that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost guarantee that others feel the same way. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most essential lesson to impart during your first year. Do not hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials is outstanding. They are genuinely invested in your success and understand that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy and keep open lines of communication with us about our challenges throughout the year. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking leaps before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your personal growth! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to seize the support offered to you. 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 by the extensive range of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone, and it has taught me how to find joy amidst stressful situations like exams and deadlines.