Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not typical for my previously introverted and reserved nature. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize it as a path of personal development, obstacles, and immense enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the foremost and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be one of your top concerns. On my moving-in day, just before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, feeling too daunted to venture out and meet people. Nevertheless, as I sit here today, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, both within 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 comparable situations. So, what have I taken away from this? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not completely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a rich tapestry of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to meet those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the academic demands and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a significant jump from A-levels, and in some respects, an even steeper ascent from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating through the same challenges. If something confuses you, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This could be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They are invested in your success and understand the difficulties students encounter. They connect with students and keep an open line of communication with us throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the later part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke earlier about taking risks – I did take a step at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are multiple avenues to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the various support systems offered by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has demonstrated how to find enjoyment amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.