Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re contemplating this as an aspiring student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before the academic term kicked off, I spent an entire day hiding in my room because I was too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here now, I can proudly declare that I’ve built some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I have established a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it is always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to help you connect with others. I also found that if you can embody one trait, be yourself. There are countless diverse individuals across the course and university; you are sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I needed to surmount was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment doesn’t always bolster your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the understanding that everyone is navigating the same challenges as you. If you’re confused about a topic, I can nearly guarantee that there are several others who are also lost. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Request help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and engage in ongoing communication regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the late stages, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned earlier the importance of taking leaps – I did make one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to get acquainted with faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding actions you can take for yourself! My primary insight from this facet of university life is to make the most of the assistance that is available to you. You can never have too much!
In general, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be alleviated with the multitude of support resources offered by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to find joy amidst the sources of stress such as exams and deadlines.