Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize an academic year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what knowledge have I gained this year, and what’s my current status?
One of the first and most daunting hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more challenging aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, just days before classes began, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in casual conversations with others in the same situation. So, what have I learned? I’ve come to understand that it’s always beneficial to take a bold step at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate interaction with others. I’ve also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of people across the program and the university, you are sure to find peers similar to you.
Another hurdle was the demands of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me during that experience, one being the reminder that everyone shares your challenges. If something confounds you, I can almost assure you that there are others who are equally perplexed. Therefore, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the support resources until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had engaged with them earlier. I mentioned taking bold steps before – I did embark on one at the beginning of the year by serving as a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are many opportunities to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance being provided. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be mitigated by the multitude of support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself amid pressures like exams and deadlines.