Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure of what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Jumping into the deep end was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on this past year, I perceive it as one filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what has this year revealed to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more formidable aspects of beginning university, and if you’re perusing this as a future student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day moving into my residence, a couple of days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room because I felt too intimidated to step out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this course. I have built a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was some casual conversation with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I learn? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to assist with connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you can be, be yourself. There is a wide variety of people throughout the course and university; you’re sure to encounter individuals similar to you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a notable shift from A-levels, and in some ways, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment doesn’t always bolster your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experiences as you. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are at least a few others who also do not comprehend it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They desire for you to succeed and understand that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and keep in touch with us regularly about our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I initially spoke about taking risks – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this particular aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support that is offered to you. You can never have too much aid!
On a broader scale, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be alleviated with the plethora of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself in conjunction with stressors such as exams and deadlines.