Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year characterized by personal development, challenges, and lots of enjoyment! So, what lessons have I taken away from this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more nerve-wracking elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be your primary concern. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a couple of days before the term started, I spent the entire day secluding myself in my room because I felt too intimidated to step out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can confidently assert that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with striking up casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With so many different individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter people like you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some ways, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment doesn’t always do wonders for your confidence; you might notice others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar struggles. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who also find it confusing. So, ask for assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek help from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is fantastic. They are genuinely invested in your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really tap into the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned taking leaps at the start; I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to get to know the staff, and it’s definitely one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this dimension of university is to capitalize on the resources being offered to you. You can never have too much support!
In general, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated with the plethora of support options available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never isolated, and it’s taught me how to have fun amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.
By Guest Blogger
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