Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure about the future. I was set to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Jumping into the unknown wasn’t something my previously shy and reserved nature was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a period filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! However, what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This certainly ranks among the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my first day of moving into my residence, just days before classes began, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, overwhelmed by the thought of interacting with others. Sitting here now, I can assertively state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and all it required was striking up a few casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re feeling a bit unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate engagement with others. I also realized that above all, it’s crucial to be yourself. There are so many diverse individuals throughout the course and the university; you’re certain to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the difficulty of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes impact your self-esteem; you might observe your classmates studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me through that mindset, one being the reminder that everyone shares your experience. If you find something confusing, I can nearly promise that a number of others also struggle with it. So, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to embrace in your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are wonderful. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students may face difficulties. They show compassion towards students and keep open lines of communication throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did make one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many opportunities to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are typically unwarranted and can be alleviated by the variety of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has demonstrated how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.