Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was quite foreign for my usually shy and introverted personality. Now, as I look back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of entering university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be a significant worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodations, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too daunted to step outside and meet others. However, I can now assert with confidence that I have made some of the best friends I’ve ever encountered at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with fellow students facing similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that making the effort to engage at the start of the year is incredibly advantageous. If you feel you’re not entirely ready or comfortable just yet, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also recognized that being true to oneself is essential. With such a wide array of people within the program and university, you are likely to find individuals who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the level of difficulty of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain aspects, a particularly significant jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can challenge your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. There were a few strategies that helped me to overcome that sensation, one being the realization that everyone faces the same circumstances. If something doesn’t click for you, I can nearly assure you that others share that confusion as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize the difficulties students encounter. They are understanding and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year about our inquiries and issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had made use of it earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This opportunity enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to fully utilize the support that is available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never alone and has taught me how to enjoy my experience despite stressors like examinations and deadlines.