Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was filled with nerves, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously shy and timid self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year packed with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what’s my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of embarking on university life, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it may be your primary concern. On my initial day of moving into my lodgings, a few days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, as I reflect today, I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the best bonds I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with individuals in akin situations. So, what knowledge did I gain? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to take a plunge at the onset of the year. If you don’t feel fully prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can embody one trait, be your authentic self. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to come across people who resonate with you.
Another significant challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a notable leap from A-levels, and in many respects, an even larger jump from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the acknowledgement that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you find something confusing, I can almost guarantee there are others who share that confusion. Hence, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They are genuinely invested in your success and understand that students face challenges. They show empathy toward students and maintain constant communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage 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 at the start of the year by becoming a wellness representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, a truly invaluable experience. There are various avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s undeniably one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway regarding this facet of university life is to seize the support offered to you. You can never have too much assistance!
All in all, this year has taught me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be mitigated by the numerous support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to relish my experiences, even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.