Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the cusp of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into uncharted territory was not something my previously reserved and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your foremost concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, that’s okay! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one trait, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse range of people across the program and institution, you’re sure to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant elevation from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me through that emotion, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that others are struggling with it too. Hence, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. They are understanding and maintain continuous communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the concluding stages of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I talked about taking risks previously – I made one at the year’s beginning by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently misplaced and can be eased with the various support avenues available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated and how to find enjoyment despite stress factors like exams and deadlines.