Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty for what lay ahead. I was on the verge of embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh first-year student. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my previously introverted and reserved personality was accustomed to. Looking back now, I can see a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and immense enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you are a future student, it may be a significant worry. On the inaugural day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term’s start, I spent the entire day in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, today, I proudly affirm that I have made some of the best friendships here at this university and within my course. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean? I learned that taking the plunge at the year’s outset is always the best approach. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse crowd throughout the course and the university, you are sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was a significant transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more considerable leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can be taxing on your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate this sensation, one being the realization that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you encounter something you don’t grasp, I can nearly assure you that others are in the same boat. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to acquire in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students confront. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking bold steps earlier – I did take one at the year’s beginning by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to build connections with faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My principal takeaway from this segment of university life is to capitalize on the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has imparted to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be alleviated with the myriad of support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never solitary and how to relish my experience despite pressures from exams and deadlines.