Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of fun! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This aspect is typically one of the most daunting when starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may weigh heavily on your mind. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly declare that I’ve built some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever made, right here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also recognized that being authentic is essential. With numerous diverse personalities in the course and university, you’re certain to find like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was handling the workload and the intricacies of the material. The jump from A-levels was indeed significant, and in some respects, the transition from the first term to the second was even larger. Being thrown into such a challenging environment can be daunting for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone experiences the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are also struggling. Thus, seek assistance. This might be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges faced by students. They show compassion towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had exploited it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s surely one of the most rewarding actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year has illuminated for me that feelings of nerves, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to savor my time despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.