Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I see an academic year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current position?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be one of your largest concerns. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term beginning, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can confidently affirm that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I have ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of casual conversation with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel fully prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. There are so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to meet people who resonate with you.
Another challenge I needed to conquer was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can sometimes be challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel as though you’re not measuring up. There were several strategies that assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the realization that everyone shares your struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee that several others are in the same position. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to acquire during your first year. Seek help from your colleagues and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students experience challenges. They understand students’ struggles and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned earlier the importance of taking leaps – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to become acquainted with staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support being offered. You can never have too much!
More generally, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be alleviated with the numerous support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has instilled in me the understanding that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to relish my experience alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.