By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future. I was embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was building friendships. This is usually one of the most daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On the first day of moving into my residence, just a few days prior to the commencement of classes, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too fearful to step out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the finest friends here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in the same situation. So, what lesson did I learn? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always rewarding. If you’re not ready or at ease, no need to fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to aid you in connecting with others. I also learned that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse crowd in the course and at the university, you’ll surely meet like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a marked increase from A-levels, and an even more significant leap from the first to the second term. Being in such an atmosphere can strain your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. What got me through was the reminder that everyone struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most important lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from peers and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are amazing. They truly want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and keep open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. As I mentioned taking chances before – I took one by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This position enabled me to familiarise myself with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are various ways to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the available support. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness about university are often unfounded and can be eased with the support accessible from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and has taught me how to find joy despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.