By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embarking on this new journey was not something my previously introverted self was used to. Looking back on the last academic year, I see a transformation filled with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the primary and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can be among the most daunting facets of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day settling into my accommodations, just days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day hidden in my room, too daunted to go out and interact with others. Yet today, I can proudly say I’ve fostered some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all started through casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s important to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you’re not yet prepared or at ease, that’s fine! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events that will facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a wide array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in coping with this feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is facing the same challenges. If you struggle to grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that others do too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to take from the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication all 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 leaps previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are countless ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support provided. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has reinforced that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has illuminated that I am never alone and has taught me how to find enjoyment in spite of pressures such as exams and deadlines.