By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainties about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Reflecting back, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what has this year revealed to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most formidable obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the greatest friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be yourself. With so many varied individuals throughout the course and university, you are bound to encounter people akin to you.
Another challenge was the workload and level of difficulty in the content. There was undeniably a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be taxing for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you encounter something you don’t understand, I can almost assure you that many others are in the same position. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to thrive and realize that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referenced taking leaps earlier – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the most rewarding actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the support offered. You can never have too much!
In general, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.