Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, 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 accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating facets of commencing university, and if you happen to be reading this as a potential student, it might be your primary concern. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days before the term began, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet people. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it began with striking up casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I come to realize? I realized it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an atmosphere isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you there are at least several others who are also finding it difficult. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I did take one at the onset of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best steps you can take for yourself! My main takeaway from this element of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
On a broader scale, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased with the plethora of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone, and it’s taught me to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.