Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt apprehensive and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unknown was not something my previously introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year packed with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! So, what have I gained from this experience, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of commencing university, and for future students, it could be a significant worry. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days before classes started, I remained in my room the whole day, feeling too daunted to venture out and connect with others. Today, I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships at university and within my program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual discussions with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a step forward at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaking activities will provide opportunities to meet others. Additionally, I learned the importance of being authentic. With a wide array of diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a progression from A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can weigh heavily on your self-esteem; you might feel unqualified compared to your peers. What assisted me was the realization that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely that others are struggling as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most important lesson of the first year. Reach out to both classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The personnel in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication regarding our issues. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had sooner. I mentioned taking leaps before – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for the year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s among the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway is to seize the support available to you. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the support from staff and fellow students. It’s demonstrated that I am never truly alone and has taught me how to find joy amidst pressures like examinations and deadlines.