Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I was filled 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. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly timid and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal 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 certainly one of the more challenging facets of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. However, today I can confidently state that I have forged some of the best friendships I have ever experienced, here at this university and in this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with those in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not entirely prepared or comfortable, don’t fret! There will be myriad ice-breaker opportunities and events available to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if there is one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find individuals like yourself.
Another challenge was the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a jump from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be taxing on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few elements aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly assure you that there are others who are equally confused. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are astounding. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize the difficulties faced by students. They show understanding towards students and maintain continual communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I spoke of taking chances at the beginning; I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best strategies for your own benefit! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to take full advantage of the support provided. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unwarranted and can be eased through the numerous support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has illuminated that I am never alone, and it has demonstrated how to have a good time amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.