Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was building friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects when beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too scared to go out and interact with others. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve cultivated some of the closest friendships here at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which began with casual conversations with peers in similar situations. So, what did I realize? I learned that taking a risk at the start of the year is beneficial. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also recognized that being authentic is essential. With an array of diverse individuals across the program and university, you are sure to find like-minded people.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a jump from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first to the second term. Being in such a challenging environment can impact your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less capable. A few things aided me through this phase, one being the constant reminder that everyone else is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be the most significant lesson learned in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges that students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support available until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks—one I took was becoming a year well-being representative. This opportunity allowed me to become acquainted with the faculty, which is priceless. There are several ways to engage with staff, and it’s among the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson is to utilize the support provided. There’s no such thing as too much help!
All in all, this year has shown me that the apprehensive feelings surrounding university are often baseless and can be eased with the assistance available from faculty and fellow students. It taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.