Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not an experience my formerly shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a considerable amount of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is often considered one of the most frightening aspects of beginning university, and if you are a potential student, it may weigh heavily on your mind. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, several days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Today, I can assert with confidence that I have made some of the finest friends here at university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all stemming from initiating small conversations with individuals in similar predicaments. So, what have I learned? I realized that it’s best to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that authenticity is essential. With the wide array of diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being in such an atmosphere can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out for support from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the difficulties students encounter. They are empathetic and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the conclusion of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking leaps previously – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This position allowed me to connect with faculty members, which is invaluable. There are many opportunities to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to fully utilize the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the available support from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to enjoy myself in spite of pressures like exams and deadlines.