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 preparing to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously introverted and reserved self was used to. Thinking back now, I recognize an academic year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more nerve-wracking aspects of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it might be among your greatest concerns. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just a few days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the most amazing friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, all of which commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I learn? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re feeling underprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker opportunities and events to aid you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re bound to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and difficulty of the material. There was certainly a significant transition from A-levels, and in some ways, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always a confidence booster; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me cope with that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are others who also find it confusing. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to internalize in your first year. Reach out for help from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware that students face challenges. They sympathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to get to know staff members, which is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My major takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support provided to you. You can never have too much support!
In broader terms, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated by the multitude of support options available from staff and peers. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to find joy alongside sources of stress such as exams and deadlines.