Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what was to come. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my previously shy and introverted nature was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a time of personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I gained from this experience, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you find yourself reading this as a potential student, it might be a significant worry for you. On the first day of my move into my residence, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day sheltered in my room, too afraid to venture out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had at this university and within this course. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this? I discovered that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that the best approach is to simply be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals at the course and university, you’re destined to find those who resonate with you.
Another significant challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, a larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into that sort of environment can be testing for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. Several factors helped me navigate those feelings, one being the acknowledgment that everyone experiences similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that there are others who share your confusion. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to learn during your first year. Seek help from your colleagues and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They truly want you to thrive and are aware that students encounter difficulties. They show understanding towards students and keep in touch with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make good use of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had found it earlier. I spoke about taking risks earlier – I embarked on one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to become acquainted with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to get to know the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the opportunities for assistance that are available. You can never have too much help!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, whether leading up to or during university, are nearly always baseless and can be eased through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m not alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment even amid stressors like exams and deadlines.