Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously timid self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry. On my first day of moving into my residence, prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day in my room, too apprehensive to go out and meet others. Nevertheless, today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? It’s vital to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, there’s no need to fret! There are numerous ice-breaker events designed to facilitate connections with others. Furthermore, if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With a diverse range of individuals at the university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the extensive workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can impact your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was the realization that everyone shares similar experiences. If something is difficult to grasp, chances are that others are struggling as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most essential lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from both peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next topic. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to excel and understand the difficulties that students encounter. They show compassion and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the academic year. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with faculty, which is priceless. There are numerous opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway is to capitalize on the support provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings about university are frequently baseless and can be eased with the assistance available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to find joy amidst the pressure of exams and deadlines.