Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
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 degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I perceive a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what has this year imparted to me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more challenging aspects of beginning university, and for those of you considering enrollment, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet new people. However, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve established some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I discovered that it’s crucial to take that leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, fear not! There will be abundant opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the program and university, you are sure to encounter people like you.
Another obstacle was the volume and difficulty of the coursework. There was undeniably a noticeable elevation from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an atmosphere isn’t always easy on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me overcome this sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation as you. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who are equally perplexed. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most critical lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and engage in ongoing dialogue with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. As I mentioned previously about taking leaps – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to exploit the support that is being provided to you. You can never have too much!
On a broader note, this year has instilled in me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be alleviated by the myriad of support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.