Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student, it could be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day concealing myself in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with some casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not fully ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a marked increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors helped me to overcome that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, I can almost guarantee that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most essential skill to cultivate in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and faculty for help!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain consistent communication throughout the year regarding our difficulties. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking chances before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to get acquainted with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are various ways to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much!
In essence, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated through the diverse support options available from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone and has shown me how to find joy despite stressors like exams and deadlines.