Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I perceive a journey of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be one of your biggest worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term beginning, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with some casual conversations with people in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can excel in one area, let it be being yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was the academic workload and the level of content difficulty. It was certainly a significant step up from A-levels, and in some respects, an even bigger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same struggles. If you’re unclear about something, I can nearly assure you that there are at least a handful of others who also don’t get it. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Ask for assistance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really make use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I spoke of taking leaps previously – I made one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance provided to you. You can never have too much help!
In general, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the various support options available from faculty and other students. It’s shown me that I’m never isolated, and it’s illustrated how to enjoy myself in the midst of stressors like exams and deadlines.