Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty 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 a situation my previously timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Sitting here now, I can firmly state that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this program. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and it all started with some casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this experience? I learned that making a bold move at the onset of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With the diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who click with you.
Another challenge was the heavy workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly an increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even bigger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me get past that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly promise you there are others who feel the same. So, reach out for help. This may be the most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Seek guidance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students encounter. They empathize with students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have an excess of it!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be eased with the various support avenues available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone and how to relish my experiences amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.