Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be one of your largest concerns. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day cooped up in my room, far too daunted to exit and introduce myself. Here I am now, confidently stating that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within my course. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, which all began with some casual conversations with peers in similar situations. So, what did I realize? I discovered that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be genuine. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and the university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was undeniably a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such an environment can weigh heavily on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re confused about something, I can almost assure you there are others who don’t grasp it either. Thus, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to master in your first year. Request help from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I referred to taking leaps earlier – I did take one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are countless avenues to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the plethora of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.