Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what’s my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your major concerns. On my initial day settling into accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and greet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve established some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this program. I have discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of chit-chat with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaker chances and events to help you link up with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of people across the course and the university, you’re certain to encounter individuals like yourself.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the material. There was undeniably a significant leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares this experience. If you find something challenging, I can almost assure you that others do too. Thus, it’s essential to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the staff for help!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They are dedicated to your success and recognize that students may face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t truly leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking bold steps – I did make one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance being offered to you. There’s no such thing as too much help!
In general, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated by the plethora of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated and how to savor my time even amid stressors like exams and deadlines.