By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my academic journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Jumping into the deep end wasn’t something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the year, I recognize a time filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating elements of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your top concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days before the semester began, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room because I was too daunted to go out and greet anyone. Sitting here now, however, I can say with confidence that I’ve made some of the closest friends I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in small talk with others in the same situation. So, what have I taken away from this? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take risks at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities and events to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re likely to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge I needed to tackle was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you’re struggling with something, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who also find it difficult. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek assistance from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks at the beginning; I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are plenty of opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much of it!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be eased by the wide array of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has also taught me how to find enjoyment amid stressors like exams and deadlines.