Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty concerning the future. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not a territory my formerly timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize an academic year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most significant challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more fearsome aspects of beginning university, and if you find yourself reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into accommodation, just a few days before classes started, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can assertively state that I have made some of the finest friends I have ever known, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaking chances and events will be available to assist you in connecting with peers. I also discovered that the best thing to be is yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you’re certain to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficult material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting isn’t always beneficial to your confidence; you may witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t comprehend something, I can nearly guarantee that others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek help from your colleagues and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The professors in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to flourish and recognize the challenges students endure. They empathize with students and keep in regular contact throughout the year concerning our difficulties. I did not make use of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I spoke of taking leaps earlier – I did take one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many avenues to connect with faculty, and it is surely one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make use of the assistance that is available. You can never receive too much!
All in all, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased by the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to have fun amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.