Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t a scenario my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year brought, and where do I find myself now?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening elements of beginning university, and if you’re a future student reading this, it might be one of your largest worries. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days before the semester began, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively say I’ve gained some of the best friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not feeling ready or at ease, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to help you bond with others. I also realized that being true to yourself is essential. With so many varied individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a significant leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can be tough on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are also facing difficulties. Therefore, seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the initial year. Reach out to your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain open communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is tremendously valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My chief takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the help available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated through the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I’m never alone and taught me how to enjoy myself in spite of pressures like exams and deadlines.