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 brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect is frequently one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet new people. Today, however, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at this university and within my program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker opportunities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also grasped that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse crowd across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
Another challenge was coping with the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate these feelings, one being the reminder that everyone is in a similar situation. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are also finding it difficult. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn during the first year. Reach out to your peers and the staff for help!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware that students encounter difficulties. They show empathy towards us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had utilized it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the support available. You can never have too much of it!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated through the various support resources offered by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to have a good time despite pressures like exams and deadlines.