Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown wasn’t something my once shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the year, I recognize it was filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did I take away from this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges was forging friendships. This aspect of starting university can be particularly intimidating, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day confining myself to my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever known, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all thanks to engaging in casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what did I discover? I realized it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the start of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one trait, it should be authenticity. With so many diverse individuals in the course and university, you’re certain to find peers who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and grasping the content’s complexity. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming this feeling, one being the acknowledgment that everyone shares the same struggle. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can virtually assure you that others are experiencing the same. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Request help from both your classmates and instructors!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students experience hardships. They show empathy towards students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the year was nearing its end, but I wish I had done so sooner. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never receive too much!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated with the plethora of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It’s been a reminder that I’m never on my own, and it has taught me how to balance enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.