By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a journey filled with personal growth, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting challenges of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, mere days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to go out and meet others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve developed some of the best friendships here at university and in my course. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? It’s vital to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, if you can be anything, remain true to yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re destined to find kindred spirits.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was a clear gap from A-levels, and even more from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can undermine your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was reminding myself that everyone shares the same experience. If you fail to grasp something, it’s likely that others don’t either. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most vital lesson in your first year. Reach out for help from both peers and staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They are understanding and maintain open lines of communication with us year-round. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I referred to taking chances – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are various ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway is to make the most of the assistance provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that apprehensive feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support available from staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I’m never alone and taught me how to have fun despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.