Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what was to come. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into such an experience was not something my previously timid and introverted self was accustomed to. Reflecting on the academic year, I see a journey filled with personal growth, obstacles, and lots of enjoyment! But what have I gleaned from this year, and what’s my current standing?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your top concerns. On my first day settling into my dorm, just days prior to the semester commencing, I ended up spending the whole day in my room, feeling too intimidated by the thought of stepping out to greet others. Yet, as I sit here now, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships of my life at this university and in this program. I have developed a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that it’s always best to take that initial leap at the year’s outset. If you’re feeling a bit unprepared or uneasy, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaker events that will assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that the most important thing is to be yourself. With such a diverse range of people in the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
An additional obstacle I faced was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in some regards, an even bigger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can indeed shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things helped me cope with this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares your challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who feel the same way. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might just be the most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Reach out for support from both your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware of the struggles students face. They empathize and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking bold steps – I did take one early in the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with the staff, and doing so is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this specific aspect of university life is to make the most of the support you have access to. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be alleviated by the plethora of support available from both staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has demonstrated how to enjoy myself amid stressful situations like exams and deadlines.