Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my formerly shy and reserved self was familiar with. 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 situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was making friends. This is undeniably one of the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my first day moving into my dorm, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, as I sit here now, I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I have ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with initiating small conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one quality, let it be authenticity. There are so many varied individuals throughout the course and the university; you are sure to find peers who share similar traits.
Another obstacle was the workload and academic challenge. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few factors helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same struggles. If you find something confusing, I can almost guarantee that there are several others who also do not comprehend it. Therefore, seek help. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out for assistance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is outstanding. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I spoke about taking leaps at the beginning – I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it truly is one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance being offered. You can never receive too much help!
Overall, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and throughout university, are nearly always baseless and can be eased with the multitude of support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never solitary in this journey, and it has taught me how to find joy amidst sources of stress like exams and deadlines.