Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what was to come as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not a familiar experience for my previously reserved self. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, challenges, and enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often becomes a major concern for newcomers at university. On my initial day in my accommodation, I spent the entirety of the day in my room, far too afraid to engage with new individuals. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships during my time at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, simply by participating in casual conversations with peers facing similar experiences. What did I learn? It’s important to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared, that’s okay! Ice-breaker events will be available to facilitate connections with others. Also, embrace your true self. With such a diverse range of people, you are guaranteed to find those who resonate with you.
An additional challenge was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even larger one from the first term to the second. This atmosphere can test your self-esteem; it’s easy to feel inferior by comparison to classmates. Keep in mind that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are too. Hence, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This is vital during your first year. Reach out to classmates and staff for support!
This brings me to my next observation. The Materials staff are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the challenges students face. They keep us informed about our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I took the initiative by becoming a year well-being representative, which helped me bond with the staff—a valuable experience. There are numerous opportunities to connect with the staff, and this is one of the best decisions you could make for yourself! My key takeaway is to fully utilize the available support. You can never receive too much assistance!
This year has overall shown me that feelings of nervousness regarding university are often unwarranted and can be eased with the help accessible from both staff and fellow students. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone and have learned how to find enjoyment even in the face of stressors like exams and deadlines.