Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about 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 unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more frightening facets of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be among your top worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, both at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can embody one principle, let it be to be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the academic workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always conducive to building confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is unclear, I can nearly assure you there are others who feel the same way. Therefore, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a welfare representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are countless ways to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the plethora of support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst challenges like exams and deadlines.