Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure of 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 introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year rich with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my move-in day, just a few days prior to the term beginning, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I gained from this? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also recognized that if you can embody one thing, it should be your authentic self. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some ways, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always simple for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can nearly assure you that others do too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the one essential lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are phenomenal. They want you to thrive and understand that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had recognized its value earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one at the year’s onset by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly advantageous. There are countless ways to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much of it!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the myriad support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has shown me how to enjoy my time while managing pressures like exams and deadlines.