By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. As a first-year student, I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself now?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was making connections. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re a future student reading this, it may be one of your biggest worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of classes starting, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too daunted to step outside and interact with others. However, today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, beginning with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you engage with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of people in the course and university, you’re certain to find those who click with you.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable jump from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can test your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial skill to cultivate in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your personal growth! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be alleviated through the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.