Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current status?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can assertively declare that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, here at this university and in this program. I’ve developed a second family at Imperial, and it all started with brief conversations with people in similar situations. What did I learn? It’s always wise to take a chance at the start of the academic year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you could embody one quality, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse crowd throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of content. There was certainly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might notice others studying and feel inferior. A few factors helped me cope with these feelings, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly promise that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson I learned during my first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and are aware that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I talked about taking leaps at the beginning; I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are many opportunities to interact with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best moves you can make for your own benefit! My main lesson from this facet of university life is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have excess help!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the multitude of support options accessible from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has illustrated how to relish my experiences alongside pressures like exams and deadlines.