Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gathered this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your chief worries. On my first day of settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day retreating to my room because I was too intimidated to step out and greet others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the most incredible friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all began with striking up casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. There is a diverse array of individuals across the course and university; you’re sure to encounter people like you.
Another obstacle was the sheer volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was definitely a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that sensation, one of which was the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who also don’t comprehend it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
That leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They are invested in your success and recognize that students encounter challenges. They understand students’ struggles and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking chances before – I took one at the very start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. 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 primary takeaway from this facet of university is to seize the help being offered to you. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be eased with the various support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to find joy amid stressors like exams and deadlines.
By Guest Blogger
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