Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I realize I’ve experienced a year of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re an aspiring student reading this, it could very well be one of your main worries. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day concealing myself in my room, too intimidated to step out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve developed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in small conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this experience? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events and opportunities to help you interact with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re certain to encounter like-minded people.
An additional challenge was the volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always simple for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who are also puzzled. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to absorb in the first year. Seek help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking risks before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to build rapport with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated with the various support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to have fun alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.