By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nervousness, fear, and uncertainty about what the future might bring. 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 formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what lessons have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges I encountered was making friends. This is definitely one of the more challenging aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it could be one of your major worries. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room because I was too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can confidently say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I have created a second family at Imperial, and all it required was initiating small conversations with people in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always the best path. If you’re not feeling quite ready or comfortable, that’s okay! There will be numerous ice-breaking events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also realized that if you can be one thing, be authentic. There are so many diverse individuals in the course and at the university; you are sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge I had to navigate was the workload and difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. There were a few things that supported me through that experience, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who are equally confused. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I previously mentioned taking chances – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to build relationships with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully embrace the help being offered to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both leading up to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be alleviated with the multitude of support options available from both staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.