Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was set to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh first-year student. Embracing the unknown wasn’t something my once timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal transformation, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was building friendships. This is frequently one of the most unsettling aspects of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be a major worry. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can choose one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another significant challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be daunting for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. Several factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee that others are having the same issue. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to take from the first year. Look for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show compassion towards students and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the wisest choices you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university life is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has illustrated that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find joy even amid pressures like exams and deadlines.