Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and introverted self was familiar with. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been a period of personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons have I learned this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can be one of the most overwhelming parts of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be a concern for you as well. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term kicking off, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, feeling too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here now, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, all of which began with striking up conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a leap at the start of the year is always the best approach. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you bond with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse crowd at the university, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be tough for your self-esteem; you might observe peers studying and feel inadequate. A couple of things helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something confuses you, I can almost guarantee others share that confusion. Therefore, seek help. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from your classmates and instructors!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students encounter difficulties. They resonate with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I’d done so earlier. I referenced taking leaps at the beginning; I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and this is undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this part of university life is to seize the support being offered. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various support avenues available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it’s shown me how to find enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.