Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was set to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not familiar territory for my previously timid and reserved self. Looking back, I realize it’s been a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the foremost and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was making friends. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be among your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had at this institution and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you mingle with others. I also recognized that if you prioritize one thing, make it being yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals in the program and university, you’re bound to find people who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first semester to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less than adequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is grappling with similar situations. If you find a topic challenging, I can almost assure you there are others who also struggle. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to internalize during your first year. Reach out to your classmates and faculty for support!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to our struggles and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support to its fullest until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier the importance of taking risks – I took a significant step at the beginning of the year by serving as a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to establish connections with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of apprehension, both before and during university, are frequently misplaced and can be alleviated through the various support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has made me realize that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy my time while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.