Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown wasn’t a familiar experience for my previously timid and reserved self. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period rich with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as someone considering enrollment, it may be one of your top worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room due to my fear of stepping out and meeting people. However, sitting here today, I can affirm that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this course. I’ve built a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I discovered? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the start of the year. If you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking occasions and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if you can be anything, be yourself. There is such a wide variety of individuals throughout the course and university; you are sure to find like-minded people.
Another barrier was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the awareness that everyone is in the same boat as you. If something confuses you, I can nearly guarantee that there are several others who also find it confusing. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned taking risks at the start; I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to become familiar with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the help available to you. You can never have an excess of that!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both in the lead-up to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the array of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself even amid stressors like exams and deadlines.