Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Jumping into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a journey marked by personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term, I spent the entirety of the day in my room, too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Yet, sitting here today, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can embrace one thing, it’s to be yourself. With such a diverse range of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find peers who resonate with you.
Another challenge I needed to navigate was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in many respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one being the assurance that everyone is experiencing similar feelings. If you struggle with a concept, I can almost assure you that there are others who feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are incredible. They are invested in your success and understand the struggles that students face. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had discovered it earlier. I talked about taking risks at the beginning; I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are various ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My main takeaway from this university experience is to fully leverage the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be eased by the wide array of support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy in spite of stressors like exams and deadlines.