By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I felt anxious and unsure about 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 unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a journey filled with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered, and what’s my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most frightening parts of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your primary worries. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes commencing, I spent the whole day in my room, too nervous to venture out and meet others. Today, however, I can say with assurance that I’ve formed some of my best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I come to understand? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not quite prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to help you bond with others. I also discovered that being authentic is crucial. With such a wide array of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to find like-minded people.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a clear leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first to the second term. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel out of your depth. What aided me was the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something isn’t clear, I can almost assure you that others feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the instructors!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students face. They empathize with us and keep in constant communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I talked about taking risks earlier – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My principal lesson from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the support available. You can never have an excess of support!
All in all, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be eased with the support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy in the midst of pressures such as exams and deadlines.