Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. 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 formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what valuable insights has this year provided me with, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This can be one of the most daunting parts of entering university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, just days before the semester commenced, I remained in my room all day, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the most amazing friends here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always worth it. If you’re not quite prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaking events designed to help you meet others. I also realized that authenticity is crucial. With such a wide array of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find those who align with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting can test your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few things aided me in overcoming this feeling, one of which was the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can almost guarantee that others are struggling as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to fellow students and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and keep an open line of communication with us regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking leaps earlier – I took one at the start of the year by assuming the role of a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of apprehension, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various support resources accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.