Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about my future. 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 timid and introverted self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! So, what have I learned this year, and what is my current state?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more overwhelming aspects of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it could be one of your primary worries. On the first day of moving into my residence, a few days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day confined to my room because I was too daunted to go out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can assertively state that I’ve forged 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 all it required was engaging in small conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this experience? I learned that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be many ice-breaking moments and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody one quality, let it be authenticity. With such a diverse group of people in the course and university, you are sure to encounter others like yourself.
Another challenge I needed to tackle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you are unclear about something, I can virtually assure you that there are at least a handful of others who also find it perplexing. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I embraced one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it is certainly one of the best decisions you can make for your personal growth! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the resources available to you. You can never have an excess of support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be mitigated with the multitude of support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It has revealed to me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to have fun while facing stressors like exams and deadlines.