Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did I gain, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of starting university often ranks among the most daunting, and if you’re a future student, it may be one of your main concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the commencement of term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too scared to venture out and make introductions. Now, however, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s crucial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, that’s perfectly fine! There will be countless ice-breaker events and activities to facilitate connections with others. I also found that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who share your values.
A further challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a significant increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater jump from the first to the second term. Being immersed in such an intense environment can shake your self-assurance; you might observe others studying and start to feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one of which was the reminder that everyone shares a similar experience. If you struggle with something, I can almost assure you that others do as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may very well be the most vital lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I made one at the year’s outset by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to take full advantage of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the various support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to have fun while navigating stressors like exams and deadlines.