Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxiety and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was unfamiliar territory for my previously reserved self. Now, looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This can be one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and it might be a significant worry for prospective students. On my first day of moving into my residence, I remained in my room the entire day, feeling too nervous to venture out and introduce myself. Today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar positions. What did I come to understand? It’s advantageous to take a risk at the start of the year. If you’re not quite ready or comfortable, that’s okay! Numerous ice-breaker events are available to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized the importance of being yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re bound to discover like-minded peers.
An additional challenge was the increase in workload and complexity of content. There was a noticeable leap from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can challenge your self-confidence; you might feel inadequate in comparison to your peers. Keep in mind that everyone shares this experience. If you find something confusing, chances are others do too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This is perhaps the most crucial lesson from the first year. Reach out for help from fellow students and staff!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of the difficulties students encounter. They maintain communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, and I wish I had utilized it earlier. I took a bold step at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which has proven invaluable. There are many ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway is to make the most of the available assistance. There’s no such thing as too much!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness about university are often baseless and can be eased with the support provided by staff and students. It has shown me that I am never alone and has taught me how to enjoy my time even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.