By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
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. Embracing the uncertainty wasn’t something my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I see a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of fun! But what have I taken away from this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This aspect often ranks among the scariest when beginning university, and if you happen to be a prospective student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my first day of moving into halls, a few days before classes were set to begin, I spent the entire day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet people. Today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the outset of the year is vital. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. I also understood the importance of being authentic. With such a diverse community across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being immersed in such a setting can challenge your self-confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. What assisted me was recalling that everyone shares the same experience. If you find something unclear, others probably do as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most important lesson from the first year. Solicit help from both peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show empathy towards us and maintain open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had embraced it earlier. I referred to taking leaps earlier – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to establish rapport with staff, and it ranks among the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson is to utilize the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings about university are often unfounded and can be mitigated through the support from staff and fellow students. I’ve learned that I’m never alone and how to enjoy my time despite the pressures from exams and deadlines.