Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I can see a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and an abundance of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day settling into my new accommodation, a few days before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day retreating to my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. However, now I can affirm that I have made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what have I discovered? I learned that it’s always beneficial to make a move at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities and events designed to help you interact with others. I also realized that if you can be one thing, be true to yourself. With such a diverse crowd across the course and university, you’re likely to find individuals who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel out of place. A few strategies assisted me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in similar circumstances. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to take in during your first year. Seek guidance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize that students face challenges. They show understanding towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of them sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role permitted me to connect with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this part of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are mostly unfounded and can be eased with the array of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy in conjunction with stressors such as exams and deadlines.