Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly 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 was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights has this year provided me, and where do I stand today?
One of the first and most intimidating tasks was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more nerve-wracking aspects of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it might rank high on your list of worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too daunted to step outside and introduce myself. Now, sitting here, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, both at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reminder that we are all navigating the same waters. If you don’t comprehend something, I can almost assure you that there are others who also don’t. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the most critical lesson to take away from the first year. Ask for assistance from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing dialogue throughout the year concerning our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking chances – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to build relationships with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are many avenues to connect with the faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to utilize the resources available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be eased with the various support resources accessible from faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone and how to have fun despite stressors such as exams and deadlines.