Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your largest concerns. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too frightened to go out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the closest friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I realized that it’s best to take a plunge at the start of the year. If you’re not completely prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being genuine is essential. With such a variety of people across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was definitely a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be hard on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel subpar. A few things assisted me in overcoming this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to peers and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and keep constant communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t make use of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this area of university is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated with the support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never isolated and how to have a good time despite pressures like exams and deadlines.