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 what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was far from what my formerly introverted and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I realize that this year has been filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where am I at this moment?
One of the primary and most formidable hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too frightened to step outside and introduce myself. Sitting here today, I can proudly affirm that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of icebreaker occasions and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. With an assortment of diverse individuals throughout the program and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge was handling the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undeniably an increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a setting isn’t always easy on your self-confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors helped me navigate through that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation. If you find something difficult to understand, I can almost assure you that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware that students face difficulties. They connect with students and keep an open line of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t really take advantage of 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 well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to build relationships with the faculty, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your growth! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support available to you. You can never receive too much help!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and throughout university, are often baseless and can be eased through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has demonstrated how to enjoy life despite pressures like examinations and deadlines.