Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year packed with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more intimidating elements of beginning university, and if you happen to be reading this as a prospective student, it may rank among your chief concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of term starting, I spent the whole day hiding in my room because I felt too nervous to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all began with making small talk with those in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean from this? I discovered that making an effort at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaking occasions and events will help you engage with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. There is a diverse array of individuals across the program and the university; you are sure to find people who resonate with you.
A further challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few elements aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the knowledge that everyone shares the same experience. If you find something hard to grasp, I can nearly assure you that there are at least a few others who are in the same situation. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to develop in your first year. Request help from your fellow students and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best steps you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to seize the opportunities for assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In broad terms, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the multitude of support resources accessible from staff and classmates. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to savor my experiences despite stressors like exams and deadlines.