Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, just ten months ago, I felt anxious and unsure about what awaited me. I was on the brink of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self found easy. Looking back now, I recognize a year rich with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more fearsome elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be your primary worry. On my first day of moving into my residence, just before classes kicked off, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all started with engaging in light conversation with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not feeling ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With the variety of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who share your mindset.
Another obstacle I faced was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can sometimes shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. Several factors assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something challenging, I can almost assure you that there are others who are equally perplexed. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may well be the most crucial lesson to take away from the first year. Reach out for assistance from both your peers and faculty!
Which leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking bold steps earlier – I did take one at the outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get to know your instructors, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance offered to you. There’s no such thing as having too much support!
All in all, this year has taught me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased through the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never isolated, and it has illustrated how to enjoy life amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.