Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, nearly ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my 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 shy and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of fun! So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting features of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term, I spent the entire day holed up in my room, too anxious to step out and engage with others. As I sit here today, I can firmly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking the plunge at the beginning of the year is crucial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that above all, being yourself is vital. Among the diverse range of individuals in the course and university, you’re bound to find those who share your interests.
Another challenge was the demands of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes be daunting for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A couple of factors helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can nearly guarantee there are others feeling the same. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp during your first year. Seek help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks before – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are many opportunities to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are often baseless and can be managed with the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and has illustrated how to enjoy myself despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.