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 about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Engaging with the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current stance?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of entering university, and if you’re an incoming student, this could be a top concern for you. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Today, though, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this institution and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I gathered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting isn’t always easy on your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel less capable. A few strategies aided me in navigating that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can almost guarantee that there are others who also don’t. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to take away from the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show compassion towards 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 taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I did take a leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many opportunities to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often misguided and can be alleviated with the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone and has shown me how to enjoy myself even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.