Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving 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, challenges, and a great deal of fun! But what insights has this year provided, and where am I at this moment?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it could be your largest worry. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day in my room, too afraid to step out and meet others. As I sit here today, I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this course. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all began with light conversations with those in the same boat. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, it’s to be yourself. With such a variety of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who click with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was undeniably a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can sometimes challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A couple of things helped me manage that feeling, one being the recognition that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that others feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Request assistance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did venture one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are many ways to get acquainted with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to utilize the resources available. You can never have too much help!
All in all, this year has impressed upon me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased through the various support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to enjoy myself despite stressors like exams and deadlines.