By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Now, upon reflection, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and immense enjoyment! But what have I taken away from this experience, and where do I stand today?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a potential student, it may be among your greatest worries. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the most remarkable friendships during my time at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in analogous positions. So, what have I learned? I realized that taking a chance at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you could embody one thing, it should be your true self. With such a wide array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter those who click with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be daunting for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the awareness that everyone is navigating the same waters. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can nearly assure you that there are others who share the same struggle. Thus, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Turn to your classmates and the teaching staff for help!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show compassion towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the academic year about our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks – and I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely worthwhile. There are numerous avenues to get to know the staff, and this is undoubtedly one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to leverage the assistance you’re given. You can never have too much of it!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the plentiful support options available from faculty and fellow peers. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has illustrated how to have fun even amid pressures like exams and deadlines.