By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was just about to begin my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I reflect on a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of fun! But what insights has this year given me, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be a significant worry for you. On the first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too frightened to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can assert that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had within this university and this course. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. What did I take away from this? I discovered that taking a chance at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you aren’t completely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if you can be one thing, be genuine. With so many varied individuals across the course and university, you’re certain to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a jump from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be detrimental to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who also don’t. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Request help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges faced by students. They empathize with students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking chances – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to establish rapport with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to utilize the assistance offered. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased with the various support options available from staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone, and it has demonstrated how to enjoy myself amid stressors like exams and deadlines.