Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just before the semester started, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve built some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what have I learned? I discovered that taking a leap at the start of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the course and the university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
An additional obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable upgrade from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can often challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something confusing, I can almost assure you that there are others who share the same confusion. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They are empathetic toward students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are plenty of avenues to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be lessened by the numerous support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It has made me realize that I’m never alone and taught me how to enjoy myself amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.