Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year 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. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a primary worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day concealed in my room because I was too frightened to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, today I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the academic year. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate your connection with others. I also learned that if there is one thing to be, it’s to be genuine. There are a multitude of diverse individuals across the program and the university; you are sure to find people who resonate with you.
An additional challenge I faced was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first semester to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be detrimental to your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others are in the same situation. So, do not hesitate to seek help. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp during your first year. Seek assistance from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in the Materials department is exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking leaps earlier – I took one at the year’s outset by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are many ways to engage with staff, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to take full advantage of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased by the various support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has illuminated how to have fun even alongside pressures like examinations and deadlines.