Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously introverted and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back now, I realize this year has been filled with personal growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is often among the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my inaugural day moving into my dorm, just a few days before classes commenced, I found myself retreating to my room all day, too anxious to go out and meet others. Today, however, I can state with confidence that I’ve made some of the most incredible friends I’ve ever known, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with brief conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what have I taken away from this experience? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not completely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. Additionally, I learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With the diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-assurance; you may observe your peers studying and feel insufficient. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something confounds you, I can nearly promise there are others who are similarly puzzled. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty for support!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They are empathetic towards students and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had made use of it earlier. I mentioned taking bold steps previously – I took one at the year’s outset by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to build rapport with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance available. You can never receive too much support!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support systems offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to find joy even amid stressors like exams and deadlines.