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. As a first-year student, I was about to begin my journey in Materials Science and Engineering. Jumping into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be one of your major concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entirety of the day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today I can confidently claim that I’ve made some of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was some casual conversation with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is essential. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re bound to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be a blow to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something confusing, I can almost guarantee that there are others who are just as lost. So, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty for help!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to flourish and comprehend the challenges that students encounter. They are empathetic and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many avenues to get acquainted with faculty, and it’s definitely one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated through the various support resources from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never solitary and how to find enjoyment amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.