Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what was to come. I was on the brink of beginning my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown wasn’t something my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of joy! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating aspects of commencing university, and if you’re viewing this as a potential student, it might be among your top concerns. On my first day, as I moved into my residence a few days prior to the semester commencing, I spent an entire day secluded in my room, overwhelmed by the thought of going out to greet others. Today, however, I can proudly assert that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced here at this university and within this course. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversation with people in similar circumstances to mine. So, what did I glean? I discovered that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to meet like-minded people.
Another challenge I faced was the intensity and difficulty of the workload. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel as though you don’t measure up. There were several things that supported me during these moments, one being the realization that everyone shares similar struggles. If something is unclear, I can almost guarantee that there are at least a few others who are also confused. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware that students experience hardships. They connect with us consistently throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really tap into the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned initially about taking risks – I took 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 an immensely valuable opportunity. There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best steps you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this particular element of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. You can always benefit from more!
In a broader sense, this year has enlightened me to the fact that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are typically irrational and can be alleviated through the plethora of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and demonstrated how to enjoy life amidst sources of stress like exams and deadlines.