By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure about what lay ahead. 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 reserved self was used to. Now, reflecting on the past year, I recognize a period filled with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the earliest and most challenging tasks was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating parts of beginning university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room because I felt too daunted to step out and meet others. Sitting here today, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversation with those in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I discovered that embracing a leap at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker chances and events designed to help you bond with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people like yourself.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a noticeable shift from A-levels, and in many respects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment doesn’t always boost your confidence; you may observe peers studying and feel as if you fall short. Several factors helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone shares similar experiences. If something confuses you, I can nearly guarantee that others also find it perplexing. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They relate to students and keep open communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had tapped into it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I made one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to become acquainted with the staff members, which is of immense value. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s definitely one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to fully utilize the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are mostly unfounded and can be eased with the plethora of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to find joy alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.