Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to start my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting parts of embarking on university life, and if you’re a forthcoming student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the semester starting, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Today, though, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I realize? I learned that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re bound to find those who click with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in many ways, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can put your confidence to the test; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that there are others in the same position. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This could very well be the most crucial lesson to absorb in the first year. Look for support from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned taking chances – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s undeniably one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this part of university is to seize the opportunities for help that are available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has illuminated the fact that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support resources accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone and taught me how to find joy even in the midst of exam stresses and deadlines.