By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed by nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding my future. About to embark on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student, venturing into the unknown was not a situation my formerly shy and reserved personality was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the earliest and most daunting hurdles was the process of making friends. This is frequently one of the most intimidating parts of entering university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be among your top concerns. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to classes commencing, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too overwhelmed to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in the same position. So, what did I gain from this experience? I understood that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, there’s no need to fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can be anything, be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those similar to you.
Another challenge I faced was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was clearly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors supported me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you find something unclear, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also do not understand it. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty within Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy toward students and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t make use of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had leveraged it earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to become acquainted with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance that is available to you. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated by the various support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to derive enjoyment alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.