Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unknown was not typical for my previously shy and reserved nature. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been one of growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was making connections with others. This aspect of starting university can be quite nerve-wracking, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be one of your top worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before term commenced, I spent the whole day retreating to my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. However, as I sit here now, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with striking up small conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking the initiative at the start of the year is always worthwhile. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you connect with your peers. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse mix of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and complexity of the material. It was certainly a notch above A-levels, and in certain aspects, the jump from the first term to the second was even more substantial. Being thrust into such a setting can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you find something challenging, I can almost assure you that there are at least several others who are also struggling. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They are committed to your success and recognize that students face difficulties. They show compassion towards students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had started that process earlier. As mentioned before, I took a leap at the year’s onset by becoming a well-being representative. This role provided me the chance to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to become acquainted with staff, and doing so is undoubtedly one of the best steps you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the vast array of support options provided by staff and fellow students. I’ve learned that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve discovered how to balance enjoyment alongside the stresses of exams and deadlines.