By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was set to begin my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was far from the norm for my previously shy and reserved self. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most formidable challenges was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening elements of beginning university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it could be one of your foremost worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the beginning of the term, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet new people. Sitting here today, I can assert that I’ve established some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to take a risk at the start of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaking events will be available to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, it’s to be yourself. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who share your interests.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in several respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A couple of things helped me navigate that sensation, one being the understanding that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re struggling with something, I can almost guarantee that several others are too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and ensure ongoing communication about our challenges throughout the year. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had made use of it sooner. I spoke of taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to form connections with the faculty, which is extremely beneficial. There are many ways to get acquainted with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this part of university is to leverage the support provided. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst stress factors like exams and deadlines.