Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt apprehensive and uncertain about what lay ahead as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Entering the unfamiliar was not something my previously reserved self was used to. As I look back on the past academic year, I recognize a path filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This can be one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you are a future student, it might be something that concerns you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet people. Now, I can proudly affirm that I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others who were in similar situations. What did I discover? I learned that stepping out at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There are plenty of ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is crucial. With the variety of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. What assisted me was the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re puzzled about something, it’s likely that others are, too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This might be the most critical lesson to internalize in the first year. Reach out for assistance from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy and maintain regular communication with us about our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking risks earlier – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to engage with staff members, which is invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway is to make the most of the support available. You can never have an excess of assistance!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that anxious feelings regarding university are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the support provided by staff and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never alone and has taught me how to find enjoyment even amidst the stress of exams and deadlines.