Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting now, I recognize a year full of personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I discovered, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is indeed one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day moving into my lodging, a few days before classes started, I spent the entire day secluded in my room because I was too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it necessitated was engaging in small talk with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals at the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people like you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some ways, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be daunting for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel that you aren’t up to par. A few factors aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who also feel the same. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to master in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely wish for you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps at the beginning; I indeed took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to seize the opportunities for assistance that are presented to you. You can never have an excess of it!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased with the multitude of support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.