Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown wasn’t something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can proudly say I’ve cultivated some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you’re bound to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always a boost to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is in a similar situation. If you find something perplexing, I can almost guarantee there are others who feel the same way. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely aim for your success and acknowledge that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s certainly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to seize the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much!
In general, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the multitude of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.