Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Engaging with the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it might be among your top worries. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodations, a few days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too scared to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can assertively say I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this course. I have developed a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar positions. So, what did I come to realize? I learned that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also grasped that if you can be one thing, be authentic. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge I faced was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable advancement from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that feeling, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is in a similar situation. If something is unclear, I can nearly guarantee there are others who also find it puzzling. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to learn in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and ensure ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our difficulties. I didn’t fully utilize the available support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I made one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is tremendously valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My principal takeaway from this element of university life is to make the most of the assistance you are offered. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the extensive array of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to balance enjoyment alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.