Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, fearful, and unclear about 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 was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was making connections. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodations, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room because I felt too daunted to leave and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can confidently declare that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships of my life here at this university and within this course. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and all it took was a bit of casual conversation with individuals in similar circumstances to mine. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always beneficial to make a brave move at the onset of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be countless ice-breaking occasions and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one principle, let it be to be yourself. There are numerous diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you are sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another challenge I needed to tackle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel like you’re not measuring up. There were a few things that aided me through that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you that there are several others who feel the same way. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Request help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and acknowledge that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain continual communication regarding our issues throughout the year. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until the later part of the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did make one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is an incredibly valuable experience. There are many opportunities to engage with staff, and it is certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to seize the assistance that is available to you. You can never have an excess of that!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased by the array of support options accessible from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself while managing stressors like exams and deadlines.