Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to step outside and introduce myself to others. However, as I sit here now, I can assertively say 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 began with initiating small conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I realized that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events designed to help you connect with others. I also recognized the importance of being yourself. With the diversity of personalities throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter individuals like yourself.
Another significant challenge was the increased workload and the level of difficulty in the content. There was a clear advancement from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more substantial jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment doesn’t always boost your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors assisted me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating similar struggles. If you’re grappling with a concept, I can almost assure you that others are as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty for support!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty within the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely desire for you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy and maintain regular communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking initiatives before – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role gave me the opportunity to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are many ways to familiarize yourself with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for your well-being! My key takeaway from this university aspect is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and throughout university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has demonstrated how to have fun even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.