Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Undertaking such a significant step was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back at the past academic year, I can see a journey marked by personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect is often one of the most daunting when commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be among your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before classes began, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve developed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with striking up casual conversations with peers in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this experience? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the academic year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, there’s no need to fret! There will be many opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one quality, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you will undoubtedly find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle I faced was managing the workload and the level of content difficulty. There was undeniably an increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate through that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you struggle to grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that others are in the same predicament. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to acquire in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the onset of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it is certainly one of the most advantageous steps you can take for yourself! My principal takeaway from this component of university life is to make full use of the assistance available. You can never receive too much support!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that the apprehensive feelings, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be diminished with the myriad support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never isolated, and it has revealed how to find joy amidst the pressure of exams and deadlines.