Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I experienced a whirlwind of nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and reserved nature was used to. Reflecting on this now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most overwhelming hurdles was forging friendships. This undoubtedly ranks as one of the more frightening elements of entering university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a considerable worry for you. On my first day of moving into my housing, a few days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So what have I learned? I’ve come to understand that taking the initiative at the outset of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless chances for ice-breaking and events to assist you in connecting with fellow students. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find kindred spirits.
An additional challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being dropped into such an atmosphere can be taxing on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel not up to par. A few aspects aided me through those feelings, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If there’s something you don’t grasp, I can nearly assure you there are others who are equally confounded. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most vital lesson to take away from the first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students may face challenges. They relate to students and uphold constant dialogue with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier the importance of taking risks – I indeed took a leap at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to engage with the staff members, which is tremendously advantageous. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the diverse support systems accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment despite pressures such as exams and due dates.