Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I see a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and where do I find myself today?
One of the initial and most formidable challenges was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your top worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the full day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and within this program. I have established a second family at Imperial, and it merely required engaging in casual conversations with those in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a step forward at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking occasions and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody anything, be yourself. There is a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university; you are sure to encounter people like you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater transition from the first semester to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always easy on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares your experience. If something puzzles you, I can almost guarantee that at least a few others are also confused. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the support offered to you. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be alleviated by the multitude of support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself amidst sources of stress like exams and deadlines.