Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and uncertain about the future. I was set to start my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Jumping into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year full of personal development, challenges, and abundant enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was the task of making friends. This is indeed one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it might be one of your significant worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. However, today, I can state with confidence that I have forged some of the finest friendships I have ever had, here at this university and within this program. I have created a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of casual conversation with people in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always wise to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t be concerned! There will be more than enough ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another challenge I faced was the demands of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was undoubtedly a rise in expectations from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares your challenges. If you’re struggling with a concept, I can almost assure you there are at least a few others who feel the same way. Therefore, seek assistance. This may very well be the most critical lesson to learn within the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
That leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did make one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s certainly one of the finest things you can do for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be alleviated with the multitude of support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy life amid stresses like exams and deadlines.