Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead as I prepared to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown wasn’t something I was familiar with, considering my previous shy and introverted nature. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day moving into halls, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the entire day isolating myself in my room, too fearful to go out and socialize. Today, I can proudly say that I have made some of the best friends I could have hoped for at this university and in my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in the same situation. So, what has been my lesson? I learned that it’s advantageous to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or comfortable, there’s no need to stress! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breakers and events to facilitate connections with others. I also found out that if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and campus, you’re destined to encounter like-minded peers.
Another challenge was managing the workload and grasping the difficult concepts. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can test your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. Several factors aided me in overcoming this sensation, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something hard to comprehend, I can nearly assure you that others are too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to take from the first year. Reach out to both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the academic year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I took one at the outset of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to build rapport with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s one of the most advantageous actions you can undertake for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the support available. You can never access too much help!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the support provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated and how to find joy even amid stressors like examinations and deadlines.