Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious 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. Stepping into something unfamiliar wasn’t characteristic of my previously quiet and reserved nature. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a period filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! However, what insights have I gained, and where do I currently stand?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of entering university, and if you’re perusing this as a prospective student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my moving-in day, just a few days prior to classes commencing, I remained in my room for the whole day, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Now, I can proudly affirm that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with some casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one trait, be true to yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find others like you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you may observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate through that sensation, one being the reminder that we all share similar experiences. If something is unclear, it’s almost certain that others are grappling with the same issue. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had leveraged it earlier. As I mentioned, I made a leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance provided to you. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often unwarranted and can be softened with the support available from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I’m never alone and has taught me how to find joy despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.