Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately 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. Engaging with the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I see a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it could be a concern for you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I remained in my room the entire day, too apprehensive to step out and meet others. Now, I can confidently say that I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all beginning with casual chats with others in similar predicaments. So, what did I glean? I realized that it’s beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not ready or feel uneasy, don’t be concerned! There are numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if you can embody one thing, be your authentic self. With such a diverse array of people across the course and university, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If there’s something you don’t grasp, I can almost assure you that others are struggling as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year was nearly over, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking leaps before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the support available. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unjustified and can be mitigated with the assistance available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and highlighted how to relish my time alongside pressures like exams and deadlines.