Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, 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. Jumping in headfirst was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Now, reflecting back, I recognize an academic year filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what has this year revealed to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating facets of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be among your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room because I felt too daunted to step out and introduce myself to fellow students. Sitting here now, I can affirm that I’ve established some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this course. I have built a second family at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely ready or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should prioritize, it’s being yourself. There are so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge I had to navigate was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes challenge your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel as though you don’t measure up. Several things assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation as you. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others facing the same issue. So, do not hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face difficulties. They show empathy toward students and consistently communicate 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 at the beginning about taking leaps – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. Holding this position allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are many avenues to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this particular aspect of university is to make use of the support being offered to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are typically baseless and can be alleviated by the numerous support resources accessible from staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I am never alone, and it’s taught me how to enjoy my time alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.