Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt a mix of anxiety and uncertainty about what lay ahead. As I prepared to embark on my journey as a first-year student in Materials Science and Engineering, confronting the unknown was not something my typically reserved self was ready for. Looking back now, I recognize that the year was filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently regarded as one of the most daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student, it might be a significant worry. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the commencement of classes, I remained in my room the entire day, feeling too intimidated to venture out and socialize. Today, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships during my time at university and within my course. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with light conversations with individuals in comparable situations. What insight did I gain? I learned that making an effort to connect at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t be concerned! There will be a multitude of ice-breaking events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a wide range of diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who share your mindset.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and a considerably larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a challenging environment can be hard on your confidence; you might observe others studying and question your own ability. A few strategies supported me through this, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same experience. If something is unclear to you, I can almost promise that it’s unclear to others as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This could be the most critical lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek assistance from your peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication regarding our concerns. Although I didn’t utilize pastoral support until the latter part of the year, I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I took a significant step by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to build rapport with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and doing so is one of the best actions you can undertake for your well-being! My key takeaway is to leverage the support available. You can never have excessive help!
In conclusion, this year has enlightened me to the fact that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased through the support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to find joy even in the face of pressures such as exams and deadlines.