Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Taking such a significant leap wasn’t something my previously shy and reserved self was familiar with. Reflecting back, it has been a year marked by personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as someone considering it, it might be a primary concern for you. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room due to my apprehension about venturing out to meet others. Sitting here now, I can state with assurance that I’ve built some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in small conversations with individuals in comparable circumstances. So, what did I glean? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. There’s such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to meet people like you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even steeper shift from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment doesn’t always bolster your confidence; you may witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me manage that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar circumstances. If there’s something you find perplexing, I can almost assure you that several others are in the same boat. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty within Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show understanding towards students and keep communication lines open with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to build rapport with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My principal lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance that’s being provided. You can never have too much support!
In broad terms, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be eased with the multitude of support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to find joy even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.