By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable experiences! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is definitely one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my very first day of moving into my residence, just days ahead of the semester starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to go out and interact with others. Today, though, I can assertively say that I’ve developed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody anything, be your true self. With such a variety of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who align with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the material. There was definitely a significant advancement from A-levels, and, in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed into such an environment can be challenging to your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that others are in the same position. Therefore, seek help. This may be the most essential skill to cultivate in your first year. Ask for assistance from both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to benefit from the available assistance. You can never have too much!
Ultimately, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s revealed to me that I’m never alone and has taught me how to have fun despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.