Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reticent self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a considerable amount of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, now, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the start of the year is advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breakers and events designed to help you connect with others. I also learned that if you can choose one thing, be true to yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the program and university; it’s inevitable that you’ll meet people like yourself.
Another significant challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was definitely a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me cope with that sentiment, one being the understanding that everyone is in the same situation as you. If you find something confusing, I can nearly assure you there are others who share your confusion. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Seek help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are incredible. They genuinely wish for your success and acknowledge that students face difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. 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 previously – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is exceptionally beneficial. There are numerous ways to get to know the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this facet of university is to leverage the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated by the various support options available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it’s shown me how to have fun alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.