Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, fearful, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been filled with personal development, obstacles, and immense enjoyment! But what lessons did I learn this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges I faced was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term beginning, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room because I was too intimidated to go out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assuredly declare that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of small talk with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample chances for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. There are countless diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you’re bound to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a significant leap from A-levels, and in many respects, a larger jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few elements aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges as you. If something is unclear, I can nearly assure that there are several others who also share that confusion. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the most critical lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek assistance from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students experience difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned previously about taking leaps – I did take one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to become acquainted with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance being offered to you. You can never have too much support!
In a broader sense, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both in the lead-up to and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be mitigated through the multitude of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone, and it’s shown me how to find enjoyment amidst sources of stress like exams and deadlines.