Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I observe a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most frightening parts of beginning university, and if you’re an upcoming student, it might be a major worry for you. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days before the term began, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too frightened to venture out and meet others. Yet today, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the closest friends I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s best to take a chance at the start of the year. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be plenty of ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With so many varied individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the sheer volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a shift from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can sometimes shake your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the awareness that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This may be the single most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Seek guidance from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want to see you succeed and comprehend the challenges that students endure. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking chances earlier – I committed to one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to build rapport with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your academic journey! My main takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to leverage the available assistance. You can never receive too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never solitary, and how to have fun despite pressures like exams and deadlines.