Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure about what was to come. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and where do I stand now?
One of the most significant and intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This can undoubtedly be one of the more overwhelming facets of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your primary worries. On the first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room because I was too fearful to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I gain from this experience? I learned that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is crucial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of opportunities for ice-breaking and events to aid you in connecting with others. Additionally, I discovered that if you must be anything, just be yourself. With such a diverse mix of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable escalation from A-levels, and in some aspects, a major leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can sometimes challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in navigating that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are in the same position. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most essential lesson to learn during your first year. Ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend that students face difficulties. They connect with students and maintain ongoing dialogue about our challenges throughout the year. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had accessed it sooner. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a first-year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are myriad ways to get to know the faculty, and it’s certainly among the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to capitalize on the support that is offered to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased through the plethora of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has illuminated the fact that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to have fun despite sources of stress such as exams and deadlines.