Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was about to embark on my journey 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, challenges, and lots of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I faced was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may rank as one of your top concerns. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the start of classes, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with a bit of casual conversation with fellow students in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t panic! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and activities to aid you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re certain to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a jump from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such a setting can challenge your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few strategies helped me manage that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If you don’t grasp something, it’s nearly guaranteed that others don’t either. So, reach out for assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
That leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the last part of the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I talked about taking leaps previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position helped me connect with the faculty, which is incredibly worthwhile. There are multiple ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.