Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of beginning my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-time student. Immersing myself in the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal advancement, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On the initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too apprehensive to step outside and meet others. However, today I can confidently assert that I’ve forged some of the most remarkable friendships I’ve ever made, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breakers and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one of which was the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are in the same boat. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They sympathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year wellness representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is highly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this dimension of university life is to fully utilize the assistance being offered to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has illuminated the fact that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the numerous support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to find joy alongside pressures such as exams and deadlines.