Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not what my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant with personal development, hurdles, and enjoyment! But what have I gained from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting parts of embarking on university life, and it may be a significant worry if you’re a future student. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, several days ahead of classes starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too frightened to step out and introduce myself. Today, however, I can assert I’ve formed some of the finest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, beginning with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not prepared or feel uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you will likely find those who connect with you.
A further challenge was coping with the workload and the level of difficulty in the content. There was a significant increase from A-levels, and an even more considerable jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. What aided me was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar pressures. If you find something unclear, I can almost guarantee that others are in the same boat. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty for help!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They are dedicated to your success and understand the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain open lines of communication regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referred to taking risks previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson is to utilize the support available. You can never have an excess of that!
In summary, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often ungrounded and can be eased with the support that staff and fellow students provide. It has demonstrated that I’m never alone and has taught me how to find joy despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.