Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was anxious and unsure about the future as I began my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously shy self was accustomed to. Reflecting now, I see a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and enjoyment. What have I learned, and where am I now?
One of the initial challenges was making friends, a daunting aspect of starting university. If you’re a prospective student, this might be a concern for you. On my first day in my accommodation, I spent the day in my room, too intimidated to meet others. Now, I can confidently say I’ve made some of my best friends here at university. I’ve found a second family at Imperial by simply engaging in small talk with peers. The lesson? Take a leap at the start of the year. If you’re not ready, there are plenty of ice-breaker events to help. Be yourself, and you’ll find like-minded people.
Another challenge was the workload and content difficulty, which was a step up from A-levels, with an even bigger leap from the first to the second term. This environment can be tough on your confidence, but remember, everyone is in the same boat. If you don’t understand something, others likely don’t either. Ask for help from peers and staff; it’s crucial in the first year.
The staff in Materials are fantastic. They want you to succeed and understand student struggles. They maintain communication throughout the year about our issues. I didn’t use pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had sooner. I took a leap by becoming a year well-being rep, which allowed me to connect with staff, a valuable opportunity. There are many ways to get to know staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do. Take advantage of the help offered; you can never have too much!
This year has taught me that nervous feelings about university are often unfounded and can be alleviated with support from staff and students. I’ve learned I’m never alone and how to enjoy myself despite stress from exams and deadlines.