Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be a significant worry. On my initial day of moving into my dormitory, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to venture out and make introductions. Now, I can proudly say that I have forged some of the most incredible friendships I’ve ever had during my time at university and on this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking the plunge at the beginning of the year is always the way to go. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can embody one quality, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse group of individuals in the course and at the university, you’re destined to meet people who resonate with you.
Another challenge I faced was the volume of work and the level of difficulty of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be hard on your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one of which was the reminder that everyone is on the same journey. If you struggle to grasp a concept, I can almost assure you there are others who are also grappling with it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show empathy towards us and maintain consistent communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, yet I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps before – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role provided me the opportunity to connect with the faculty, which is extremely beneficial. There are many ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your well-being! My primary takeaway from this part of university life is to make the most of the support available. 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 baseless and can be eased through the various support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to have fun while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.