Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was feeling anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what lessons has this year imparted to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room because I was too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to others. As I sit here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it necessitated was initiating some small talk with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this experience? I learned that it’s always best to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t sweat it! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, be yourself. There are a multitude of different people in the course and university; you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee there are at least several others who also don’t understand it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Request help from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students can face difficulties. They empathize with students and engage in regular communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the year was nearly over, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to become acquainted with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to forge connections with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the guidance you’re receiving. You can never receive too much!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are almost always unwarranted and can be mitigated with the various support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has illustrated how to have fun in tandem with stressors like exams and deadlines.