Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in unfamiliar territory was not something my former shy and reserved nature was equipped for. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current standing?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of commencing university can be quite daunting, and if you are a prospective student, it may rank among your top worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the beginning of the term, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too frightened to venture out and meet others. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships here at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all thanks to engaging in casual conversations with peers facing similar experiences. So, what was the lesson? I realized that it’s beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel ready or comfortable, fret not! There will be ample ice-breaking opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also understood the importance of being authentic. With such a diverse range of individuals in the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and in certain aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such an environment can test your self-confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel inferior. Several factors aided me in overcoming this sensation, one of which was the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly guarantee it’s unclear to others as well. Thus, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most vital skill to cultivate in the first year. Reach out to peers and staff for support!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in Materials are phenomenal. They are invested in your success and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and keep in regular communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I’d done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks – I took one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for your benefit! My primary takeaway from this part of university is to make the most of the assistance available. There’s no such thing as too much help!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to have fun despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.