Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back, I see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most frightening elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, several days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day cooped up in my room, too shy to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assuredly say that I’ve formed some of the most wonderful friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? It’s beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate your connections with others. I also realized that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who share your interests.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and complexity of the content. There was undeniably an increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can impact your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in navigating this, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you others are struggling too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson of the first year. Reach out for help from peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to thrive and comprehend that students encounter difficulties. They relate to our experiences and consistently communicate regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the support system until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so much earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps—I indeed took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My key takeaway is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never receive 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 mitigated with the support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and taught me how to embrace enjoyment despite pressures like exams and deadlines.