Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, 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 was not something my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year bring me, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of embarking on university life, and if you’re an incoming student perusing this, it might be your greatest concern. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term commencing, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, however, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in small talk with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that taking a bold step at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be ample ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that above all else, you should be authentic. With such a diverse range of people within the course and university, you’re sure to meet those who resonate with you.
Another challenge revolved around the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always conducive to bolstering your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone shares similar challenges. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that others are equally confused. Therefore, seek assistance. This may just be the most crucial lesson to embrace during the first year. Soliciting help from your peers and faculty is essential!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want to see you thrive and understand the struggles faced by students. They show empathy towards us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make use of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took a significant one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with staff, and this is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for your personal development! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has imparted to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be mitigated by the abundant support options available from both staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never truly alone and how to find joy in the midst of stressors like exams and deadlines.