Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the cusp of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was not something my once-timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back on the previous academic year, I recognize a journey of personal growth, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current stance?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I found myself hiding in my room all day, too fearful to venture out and meet others. However, today I can assert with confidence that I have forged some of the finest friendships here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’ll surely encounter like-minded people.
An additional hurdle was the workload and the intricacy of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can impact your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me conquer this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that others are in the same situation. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital skill to acquire in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They are invested in your success and understand the challenges students encounter. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make the most of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I made one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this university facet is to leverage the available support. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has demonstrated that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never alone and has taught me how to find joy even amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.