Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my once shy and reserved self was prepared for. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what has this year revealed to me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may weigh heavily on your mind. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, reflecting on my experience today, I can assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and within this course. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, all it took was sparking small conversations with individuals in similar positions. So, what lesson did I glean? I discovered that taking a leap at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not feeling completely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to help you connect with your peers. I also found that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals in the course and university, you are sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a significant leap from A-levels; in certain aspects, the transition from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for one’s confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the realization that everyone shares the same struggles. If you find something challenging to grasp, I can nearly assure you there are others facing the same difficulties. So, reach out for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and acknowledge that students experience difficulties. They connect with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until later on in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking chances – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support being offered to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are typically baseless and can be alleviated by the plethora of support available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to enjoy myself in tandem with stressors like exams and deadlines.