Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, afraid, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back, I see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the whole day concealed in my room as I was too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve established some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in light conversation with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I learn? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities and events for ice-breaking to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that if you can embody one quality, be true to yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the program and the university; you are certain to find people like you.
An additional challenge was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your self-confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t comprehend something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who also don’t grasp it. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They desire for you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They express empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I did take one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s definitely one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this component of university is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated with the multitude of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to have fun alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.