Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into unfamiliar territory was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is typically one of the most frightening facets of starting university, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be one of your top concerns. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just days before the term started, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had in this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others facing the same experiences. So, what have I taken away from this? I realized that taking initiative at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaker activities and events will be available to help you engage with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, there’s a good chance you’ll meet like-minded people.
Another challenge involved managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can challenge your self-assurance; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A couple of factors aided me during this daunting period, one being the understanding that everyone shares similar experiences. If you’re struggling with something, I can almost assure you that others are too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to both your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy for students and ensure ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I spoke about taking chances earlier—I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role helped me connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to meet staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated through the various support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment despite challenges like exams and deadlines.