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 verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most daunting obstacles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most intimidating elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, daunted by the idea of stepping out and meeting people. Today, I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I found out that taking a leap at the start of the year is invariably advantageous. If you’re not completely ready or comfortable, don’t be concerned! There will be ample ice-breaking events and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With so many diverse individuals across the course and the university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can shake your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me in overcoming this sensation, one being the awareness that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you struggle to comprehend something, I can almost assure you that others do not grasp it either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and comprehend the difficulties students confront. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication regarding our issues throughout the year. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the outset of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s among the most valuable actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the multitude of support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy in life despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.