Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about my future. I was preparing to begin my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting back, I recognize a year full of personal growth, challenges, and a considerable amount of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more fearsome aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Sitting here today, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this course. I’ve established a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with fellow newcomers. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk in the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, do not fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also found out that if you can embody one quality, let it be authenticity. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere isn’t often conducive to your self-esteem; you may observe peers studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me in navigating that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, I can almost assure you that others are too. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want to see you thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They sympathize with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I referred to taking risks previously – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year’s well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to get acquainted with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most beneficial actions you can undertake for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to leverage the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much!
On a broader scale, this year has illustrated that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated through the numerous support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy my time despite sources of stress such as exams and deadlines.