Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year abundant in personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most daunting challenges was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most intimidating facets of commencing university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day retreating to my room, too afraid to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve built some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with some casual conversation with individuals in like situations. So, what did I discover? I realized 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 moments and activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also understood that if you can embody one quality, let it be authenticity. With a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can sometimes challenge your confidence; you might observe your peers studying and feel underwhelmed. A few things aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that there are others who are also puzzled. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most vital lesson to learn during your first year. Seek help from your fellow students and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully tap into the supportive resources until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take 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 immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance being offered. You can never receive too much!
Overall, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the diverse support systems available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has demonstrated how to have fun amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.