Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months prior, in October 2022, I experienced a whirlwind of nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was on the brink of beginning my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide me, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester beginning, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can confidently assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at the university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking a leap early in the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fear not! There will be ample ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you have the chance to be anything, be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to find those who vibe with you.
Another obstacle was the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was a significant transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can challenge your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. What assisted me during this time was the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost guarantee that others share your struggle. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be the most vital lesson learned in your first year. Seek support from your classmates and the academic staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the difficulties that students encounter. They relate to students and maintain ongoing dialogue throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, something that is incredibly valuable. There are countless ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s among the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that the anxious feelings preceding and during university are frequently baseless and can be eased with the various support pathways available from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never isolated and illustrated how to have fun despite pressures like exams and deadlines.