Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what awaited me. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Daring to dive into unfamiliarity wasn’t something my previously shy and introverted self was accustomed to. Reflecting on it now, I perceive an academic year rich with personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year imparted to me, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating aspects of initiating university, and if you’re viewing this as a prospective student, it might be one of your major concerns. On my first day of settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes beginning, I dedicated an entire day to staying in my room due to feeling too daunted by the prospect of stepping out to greet others. However, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced at this university and within this course. I have formed a second family here at Imperial, and it only required a bit of casual conversation with others in comparable situations. So, what have I taken away from this? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is essential. If you don’t feel fully prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody anything, be authentic to yourself. With such a vast assortment of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge I encountered was handling the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and to some extent, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting can be a challenge for your self-esteem; you might observe your peers studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate those feelings, one being the acknowledgment that everyone shares similar experiences. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that there are at least a few others who are equally confused. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year. Reach out for support from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the support services until the year’s end, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks—at the start of the year, I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is an immensely beneficial opportunity. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance offered to you. You can never have too much help!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both preceding and during university, are nearly always unreasonable and can be alleviated by the multitude of support resources provided by staff and peers. It has taught me that I am never isolated, and it has guided me on how to find enjoyment amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.