By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Now, reflecting on the year, I recognize it as a period of personal development, challenges, and countless enjoyable moments! But what insights did this year offer, and what is my current standing?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my first day moving into my dormitory, days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with those in similar situations. So, what did I come to understand? I learned that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not yet ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter those who align with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undeniably an increase from A-levels, and in some ways, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always easy on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that we are all experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others feel the same way. So, reach out for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to absorb in the first year. Seek support from your classmates and staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students confront. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I indicated earlier about taking risks – I took a step at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it is one of the best actions you can take for your personal growth! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the help available. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated through the support systems provided by staff and peers. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to find joy amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.