Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my introverted nature found easy. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of entering university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. As I sit here today, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with engaging in small talk with others in parallel situations. So, what have I learned? I realized that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or comfortable, there’s no need to stress! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to meet people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel deficient. Several factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone shares similar struggles. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly promise that there are others who also find it perplexing. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware that students face difficulties. They show understanding towards students and keep in constant touch with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully capitalize on the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, yet I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the year’s commencement by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway regarding this part of university is to utilize the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support mechanisms provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m not alone, and it has shown me how to have fun while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.