Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and where do I stand now?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This certainly ranks among the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re perusing this as a prospective student, it might be one of your greatest anxieties. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the semester’s start, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too daunted to emerge and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all began with a few casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I discovered that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be ample opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, let it be authenticity. With such a diverse group of people in the program and the university, you’re sure to connect with like-minded individuals.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly an escalation from A-levels, and in many respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me navigate through that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares this experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who don’t as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next topic. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous steps you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to capitalize on the assistance you’re offered. There’s no such thing as too much help!
Overall, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both preceding and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be mitigated by the multitude of support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never on my own, and it’s taught me how to relish my experiences while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.