Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of beginning my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my once shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I realize it has been a year filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, mere days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to emerge and meet others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all from initiating simple conversations with those in comparable situations. So, what has been my takeaway? I’ve learned that it’s wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that being true to yourself is essential. With such a wide array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was handling the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely a jump from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can shake your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. What aided me was recalling that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This could be the most vital skill to cultivate in the first year. Ask for help from peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They relate to our experiences and keep open lines of communication about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the near end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary message is to seize the offered assistance. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased through the many support avenues available from faculty and fellow students. It has revealed that I am never alone and has taught me how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.