Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing 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 familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most daunting obstacles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating facets of commencing university, and if this reaches you as a potential student, it may be among your foremost worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the commencement of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself to others. However, as I sit here now, I can assertively say that I have made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. So, what’s the lesson? I learned that it’s always wise to embrace opportunities at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling quite prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breakers and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse community across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter individuals like yourself.
Another significant challenge was the workload and content complexity. There was indeed a considerable leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel less than capable. Several factors helped me navigate that sensation, one of which is the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something confusing, I can nearly assure you that there are at least a few others who also find it unclear. Therefore, seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They are invested in your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year about any concerns we may have. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned making leaps previously – I took a significant one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this segment of university is to embrace the assistance being offered to you. You can never have too much of it!
In summary, this year has demonstrated that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are generally baseless and can be mitigated by the myriad support options accessible from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated and how to find joy amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.