Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, 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 first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Reflecting back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is undeniably one of the more frightening elements of beginning university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively say I’ve made some of the closest friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with brief conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I realize? I found that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you aren’t quite prepared or at ease yet, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one trait, be yourself. With a multitude of diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was the amount of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly an elevation from A-levels, and in some regards, an even more substantial jump from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such an environment doesn’t always boost your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few aspects aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If something isn’t clear, I can almost assure you that others are puzzled as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
That leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They truly want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with the student body and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully exploit the support available until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I made one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are countless opportunities to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it is undeniably one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the assistance provided to you. You can never receive too much!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be mitigated through the various support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has demonstrated to me how to find enjoyment despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.