Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my formerly introverted and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the year, I recognize an academic period filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and where do I stand now?
One of the primary and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are reading this as an aspiring student, it may be among your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the semester commencing, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room because I felt too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and within this program. I have developed a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I realized that it’s always advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one trait, let it be authenticity. There are countless diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you are sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I had to conquer was the volume of work and the challenge of the material. There was undeniably a significant leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more substantial jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me manage that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same waters as you. If something appears unclear, I can almost guarantee that several other students share that confusion. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp during your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely want you to excel and they recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with our situations and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned initially about taking risks – I did take a step at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is an incredibly worthwhile endeavor. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My key takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to fully utilize the support being provided to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be mitigated by the vast array of support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never solitary, and it has instructed me on how to embrace enjoyment alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.