Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day in my room, too intimidated to step out and meet others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the strongest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with light conversation with others in comparable situations. So, what have I discovered? It’s advisable to take a leap at the outset of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can undermine your confidence; you might feel inadequate compared to your peers. What aided me was recalling that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely others are confused as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This might be the most vital lesson from the first year. Seek guidance from both peers and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They empathize and keep a steady line of communication with us regarding any concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is priceless. There are various avenues to connect with faculty, and it is one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main lesson is to utilize the support offered. You can never have too much assistance!
On the whole, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness before and during university often lack foundation and can be mitigated by the support provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.