Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about the journey ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into the unknown wasn’t exactly what my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as one filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more formidable aspects of beginning university, and if you’re perusing this as a potential student, it may be one of your biggest concerns. On the day I moved into my housing, just days before the semester commenced, I spent an entire day sequestered in my room because I felt too daunted by the thought of venturing out to greet others. However, as I sit here today, I can confidently declare that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversation with others in similar situations. So, what’s the lesson? I’ve learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you’re not yet ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to help you connect with others. I’ve also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s authentic. There’s a diverse range of people throughout the course and university; you’re sure to bond with those who share your interests.
Another obstacle I had to overcome was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was significant, and in some respects, the leap from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being thrust into such an environment can be quite challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me manage that sensation, one being the understanding that everyone is navigating this journey together. If something seems unclear, I can nearly guarantee that at least a handful of others are feeling the same way. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. This may be the most critical skill to acquire in your first year. Seek assistance from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain an ongoing dialogue with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really make use of pastoral support until later in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I spoke initially about taking risks – I did take one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is an incredibly advantageous experience. There are myriad opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this particular aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have an excess of support!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are generally unfounded and can be alleviated through the many support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has demonstrated how to find joy amid stressors like exams and deadlines.