Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
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. Stepping into the unknown was not a scenario my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles was finding friendships. This aspect is frequently one of the most frightening elements of starting university, and for prospective students, it may be a considerable worry. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, merely days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, far too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Sitting here today, I can proudly state that I’ve connected with some of the finest friends I’ve ever encountered at this university and within this course. I have discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I find out? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to assist you in meeting others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be true to yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can put your confidence to the test; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same experiences. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, I can almost assure you that others are facing similar difficulties. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the single most essential lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely wish for your success and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They empathize with students and consistently communicate with us regarding our issues throughout the year. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role provided me the opportunity to become acquainted with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My main lesson from this facet of university is to leverage the support offered to you. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has illuminated the fact that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be eased by the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.