Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself today?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day retreating to my room, too fearful to venture out and meet anyone. However, sitting here now, I can assert with confidence that I have made some of the finest friends I’ve ever encountered, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was initiating small conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breakers and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you’re going to be anything, be true to yourself. With the diverse array of individuals in the program and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in many ways, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be tough for your self-esteem; observing others studying might leave you feeling inadequate. A few things assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find yourself confused by something, I can almost guarantee there are others who share that confusion. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They are sympathetic toward students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are plenty of avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the wisest moves you can make for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support that is available to you. You can never have too much!
Broadly speaking, this year has imparted to me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support resources accessible from faculty and peers. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has revealed how to have fun alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.