Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your primary worries. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, far too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can assertively say I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar positions. So, what have I gleaned? I discovered that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one quality, be genuine. There’s a wide array of individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to find kindred spirits.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can impact your self-assurance; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me during that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you struggle with a concept, I can almost assure you there are others who do as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most critical lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek help from both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking initiative earlier – at the start of the year, I seized the opportunity by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with the staff, and it’s definitely one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support being offered to you. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated with the abundant support options available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has revealed how to enjoy life while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.