Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was just about to start my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year full of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current stance?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was building friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of beginning university life, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my very first day moving into the accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too afraid to step out and meet others. Today, however, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had here at this university and in this program. I’ve formed a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate social connections. I also learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With a diverse range of individuals in the course and the university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable shift from A-levels, and in many ways, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things assisted me in coping with that feeling, one being the reassurance that everyone’s facing similar challenges. If you’re struggling with something, I can almost assure you that others are as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the year was nearing its end, but I wish I had utilized it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many opportunities to get acquainted with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has made me realize that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be eased with the various support mechanisms provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone, and it has demonstrated how to find enjoyment in life, even with stressors like exams and deadlines.