Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize an academic year filled with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of joy! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of beginning university is undoubtedly one of the more daunting challenges, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodations, just days before the semester commenced, I ended up spending the whole day secluded in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet people. However, reflecting from this moment, I can proudly assert that I’ve built some of the best friendships I could have ever hoped for, here at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and everything began with casual conversations with fellow students in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events that will help you interact with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find like-minded peers.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can test your self-esteem; seeing others studying might make you feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that there are others who struggle with it as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek assistance from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my following point. The faculty in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They are sympathetic toward students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned taking chances earlier – I embraced one at the beginning of the year by stepping into the role of a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are several ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the help available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has illuminated the fact that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the numerous support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to balance enjoyment with the pressures of exams and deadlines.