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 verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was accustomed to. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year given me, and where do I find myself today?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This certainly ranks as one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your foremost worries. On my inaugural day moving into my residence, just days prior to the start of term, I remained in my room all day, too daunted to step out and socialize. Today, though, I can proudly assert that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in comparable circumstances. So, what has been my takeaway? I realized that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker chances and events to help you bond with others. I also recognized that being authentic is essential. With such a broad spectrum of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was coping with the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some instances, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being suddenly immersed in such an environment can test your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that others are experiencing difficulties too. So, seek out support. This might be the single most critical ability to cultivate during the first year. Request assistance from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They are invested in your success and recognize that students encounter challenges. They show understanding and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. As I noted before about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make full use of the available help. You can never receive too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased through the various support mechanisms accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and has illustrated how to find joy despite pressures like exams and deadlines.