By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink 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 nature was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of entering university, and for any prospective student reading this, it may be among your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too nervous to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, which all initiated with some casual conversations with others in akin situations. So, what did I learn? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, I learned that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s to be yourself. With the wide variety of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
Another hurdle was coping with the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly an increase in intensity from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be challenging for one’s self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me conquer that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t comprehend something, I can almost assure you there are others who do not as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize the challenges students encounter. They relate to us and maintain consistent communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully capitalize on the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned before about taking leaps – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role provided me the opportunity to connect with the staff, which is immensely valuable. There are many ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university life is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much help!
In conclusion, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the variety of support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.