Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
About ten months back, 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 a significant departure from the shy and reserved person I had always been. Looking back now, I realize I’ve experienced a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons have I taken away, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This aspect of beginning university can be particularly frightening, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On the day I moved into my accommodation, merely days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too frightened to venture out and meet others. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I could ask for here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and everything initiated with light conversations with others facing the same situation. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that embracing new experiences at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not quite ready or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking functions designed to help you engage with others. I also realized that authenticity is essential. With so many varied individuals in the course and the university, you will undoubtedly find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the demanding workload and intricate content. There was certainly an elevation from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even steeper transition from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such circumstances can negatively impact your confidence; observing others study can leave you feeling inadequate. A few elements assisted me in overcoming this sensation, one being the realization that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that others share your confusion. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from classmates and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty within Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain consistent communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position gave me the chance to get acquainted with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous methods to establish connections with staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can undertake for yourself! My principal takeaway from this component of university is to maximize the resources provided. You can never have an excess of assistance!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and throughout university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the support available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never isolated and how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.