Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself anxious, frightened, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. The thought of stepping into the unknown was foreign to my previously timid and reserved nature. In hindsight, I recognize a year full of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often ranks as one of the most daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be your primary worry. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just 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 socialize. Now, I can assertively say I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all of which began with casual conversations with individuals in comparable circumstances. So, what’s the lesson here? It’s advantageous to take a plunge at the year’s onset. If you find yourself feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events designed to facilitate connections with others. Additionally, I learned that authenticity is essential. With a plethora of different individuals across the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle involved the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A couple of things aided me through this phase, one being the reassurance that everyone shares similar experiences. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that others feel the same way. Thus, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff within the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best steps you can take for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this segment of university life is to utilize the resources offered. There’s no such thing as too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be eased with the diverse support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amid stresses such as exams and deadlines.