Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unsure about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown wasn’t something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, it has been filled with personal development, obstacles, and numerous enjoyable moments! But what lessons have I learned this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of starting university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester beginning, I spent the whole day secluding myself in my room because I was too daunted to go out and introduce myself to others. Yet, sitting here today, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was initiating small conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I learned that it’s essential 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-breaker events and opportunities to engage with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, it’s to be yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the program and university; you’ll undoubtedly find others who resonate with you.
Another challenge I had to navigate was the workload and complexity of the material. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the initial term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors helped me deal with those feelings, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who are equally puzzled. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to acquire in your first year. Reach out for help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to utilize the support offered to you. There’s no such thing as too much assistance!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are nearly always baseless and can be mitigated with the extensive support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It’s demonstrated that I’m never alone, and it’s taught me how to have fun amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.