Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unfamiliar was not something my former shy self was used to. Looking back on the last academic year, I recognize a path rich with personal development, hurdles, and pleasure. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the early and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I remained in my room all day, too fearful to venture out and socialize. Now, I can assert with confidence that I have made some of the finest friends here at university and within my course. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all originated from casual conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking the plunge at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There are numerous ice-breaker activities to aid in connecting with others. Additionally, I discovered that being authentic is crucial. With such a wide variety of individuals across the course and university, you’ll surely find those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of content. There was a distinct increase from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What benefited me was recalling that everyone is facing the same circumstances. If you find something confusing, it’s likely others do too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This could be the most vital lesson to absorb in the first year. Seek support from classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They are understanding and engage in ongoing communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My chief takeaway is to fully utilize the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that apprehensive feelings about university are often unfounded and can be eased with the support provided by faculty and fellow students. I’ve realized that I’m never alone and how to enjoy myself despite challenges like exams and deadlines.