Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown wasn’t something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I realize this year has been filled with personal growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what has this past year imparted to me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you are a prospective student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day retreating to my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to anyone. Conversely, I can now assert that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this experience? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that, if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With the diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to connect with like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a challenging environment can undermine your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the acknowledgment that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to absorb during your first year. Ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year was nearly over, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the start of the year by stepping into the role of a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this dimension of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the numerous support avenues provided by both staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst the stressors such as exams and deadlines.