Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, ten months prior, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved personality was used to. Looking back, I now realize it has been a year of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this experience, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most daunting challenges I confronted was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more intimidating parts of embarking on university life, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be among your greatest worries. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just days before classes started, I ended up spending the entire day hidden away in my room, too scared to venture out and meet new people. Sitting here today, I can assert with certainty that I’ve developed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is crucial. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and occasions to help you forge connections with others. I also found that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the course load and the complexity of the material. Transitioning from A-levels was certainly significant, and in many ways, the leap from the first term to the second was even larger. Adapting to such an environment can indeed challenge your confidence; you might witness your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone experiences the same struggles. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you that there are several others who share your confusion. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from both fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in the Materials department is outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the academic year regarding our challenges. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had begun sooner. I spoke of taking leaps earlier – I made one at the beginning of the year by taking on the role of a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to interact with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the array of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has also taught me that I’m not alone and how to have fun despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.