By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was something my previously timid and reserved self had not experienced. Looking back, I recognize a year full of personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your major concerns. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes started, I spent the entire day in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was striking up casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be abundant ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals in the course and university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly an increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first semester to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less capable. A few things aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something confuses you, I can nearly guarantee that there are others puzzled as well. So, do not hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next highlight. The faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned previously about taking chances – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your well-being! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support extended to you. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the many support resources available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to find enjoyment amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.