Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my studies in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something my previously introverted and modest self was ready for. Reflecting back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what insights did this year provide, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be among your greatest concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term kick-off, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. As I sit here now, I can assertively say I’ve developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all began with striking up conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized it’s crucial to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can be anything, be true to yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to discover like-minded people.
Another challenge lay in the demands of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a shift from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can sometimes challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. Several factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can almost assure you that there are others facing the same issue. So, seek assistance. This might be the most essential lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff within Materials are phenomenal. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face challenges. They show understanding towards students and maintain constant dialogue 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 done so earlier. I spoke about taking leaps – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role helped me become acquainted with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most rewarding actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance made available to you. You can never have too much help!
Overall, this year has conveyed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be alleviated through the plethora of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never solitary, and it has shown me how to savor my time in conjunction with stressors such as exams and deadlines.