Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety and uncertainty about the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my formerly reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This often represents one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just a few days prior to the semester commencing, I spent the entire day in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself. Today, however, I can proudly assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all originated from casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what lesson did I take away? I discovered that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you feel unprepared or uncomfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a varied group of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and an even greater one from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. What supported me was reminding myself that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others don’t either. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson of the first year. Reach out to peers and faculty for help!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They express understanding and maintain regular communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I referred to taking leaps – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the most advantageous steps you can take for your own progress! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that anxieties about university are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has illustrated that I am never truly alone and taught me how to have fun despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.