Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, apprehensive, and unsure about the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening aspects of starting university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your top worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, far too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Nevertheless, sitting here today, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, both at this university and within this course. I have created a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was a bit of small talk with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is invariably advantageous. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate your interactions with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, let it be your true self. With so many diverse individuals across the program and campus, you are sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more substantial leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment isn’t always easy on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is facing the same challenges. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, I can almost guarantee there are others who share your confusion. So, seek assistance. This could be the single most crucial lesson to grasp during your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They are genuinely invested in your success and understand that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are countless ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main lesson from this dimension of university life is to embrace the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much support!
In a broader sense, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be eased with the numerous support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to find joy alongside the stressors of exams and deadlines.