Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it might be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my housing, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now sitting here, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever known during my time at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with some casual conversation with those in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that making a bold move at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not feeling prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to meet like-minded people.
Another challenge I needed to tackle was the volume of work and the difficulty level of the material. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such a setting can test your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me through those feelings, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same struggle. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly guarantee that others are similarly confused. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Request help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials is fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They connect with students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps at the outset – I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to become acquainted with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to become familiar with faculty, and it’s undeniably one of the best advantages you can give yourself! My principal takeaway from this university experience is to utilize the assistance you’re provided. You can never have too much!
Generally speaking, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be eased with the plethora of support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has demonstrated how to find enjoyment amidst challenges like exams and deadlines.