Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what lessons has this year imparted to me, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most daunting obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more intimidating aspects of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the commencement of classes, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room because I felt too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, however, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, be genuine. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter others like yourself.
Another obstacle I confronted was the high volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into this environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling with something, I can nearly guarantee that there are at least a few others who share the same confusion. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Seek help from fellow students and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff within the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students experience difficulties. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had embraced it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role afforded me the opportunity to become acquainted with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s absolutely one of the best things you can do for yourself! My principal takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance being offered to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated through the plethora of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.