Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was set to start my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t exactly something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal growth, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most formidable hurdles was forming friendships. This is often a major source of fear when starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, this may be a considerable worry for you. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day confined to my room, far too shy to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to today, I can proudly share that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I have ever had, both at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated from a bit of casual conversation with others in the same position. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a risk at the start of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! Numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events exist to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should embrace, it’s being yourself. With a myriad of diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another hurdle was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a jump from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can be a blow to your confidence; you may notice others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me navigate that emotion, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something puzzles you, I can almost assure you that others feel the same way. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are extraordinary. They genuinely want you to achieve and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They understand our struggles and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I regret not doing it sooner. I mentioned earlier about seizing opportunities – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s definitely one of the best choices you can make for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support that is available. You can never have too much assistance!
Ultimately, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated with the various support resources from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never truly alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment even with pressures like exams and deadlines.