Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was foreign to my previously timid and introverted self. Looking back now, I realize this year has been filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more stress-inducing aspects of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be one of your major worries. On my initial day moving into accommodations, a few days prior to classes commencing, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself to anyone. However, as I sit here today, I can proudly proclaim that I’ve made some of the greatest friends I’ve ever known, both at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, beginning with casual conversations with people in similar positions. So, what have I learned? I’ve learned that taking a chance at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities and events for ice-breaking to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that above all, be true to yourself. With so many varied individuals within the course and the university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the subject matter. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and, in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can shake your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel less competent. A few strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the assurance that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee others are struggling as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek support from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They are genuinely invested in your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t really engage with the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming the well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to utilize the resources available to you. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated by the extensive support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.