Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly 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 unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of embarking on university life, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your primary apprehensions. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Sitting here today, I can assert that I have made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that it’s always wise to take a chance at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the program and university, you are sure to meet those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the academic workload and complexity. There was certainly a noticeable transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always a boost to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel like you’re falling short. A few things aided me in overcoming that sense, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If something confuses you, I can almost assure you that others are also puzzled. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most critical lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They sympathize with students and keep in touch with us regularly throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the supportive system until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking risks before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s definitely one of the best actions you can take for your success! My key takeaway from this part of university is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various forms of support provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.