Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty about the upcoming journey. I was set to embark on my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a first-year student. Entering the unknown was not something my previously bashful and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is definitely one of the more daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it could be one of your main worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too intimidated to step outside and interact with others. Nevertheless, as I sit here today, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, both at this institution and in this course. I’ve built a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was coping with the workload and the challenging content. There was undoubtedly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you there are others who feel the same way. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and maintain consistent communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until near the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I spoke about taking risks before—I did take a leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get to know the faculty, and it’s definitely one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the help provided. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the numerous support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has taught me how to have fun alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.