Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was enveloped in anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was poised to commence my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This aspect of beginning university can be quite daunting, and if you are an incoming student, it may be among your top worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, just a few days before the semester started, I spent the entire day in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself. However, as I sit here now, I can proudly assert that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, both at this university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or comfortable, fear not! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that being true to yourself is essential. With a plethora of diverse individuals in the course and the university, you are sure to encounter kindred spirits.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant increase in difficulty from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that others are also struggling. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Request help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students encounter difficulties. They show understanding and maintain consistent communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully capitalize on the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I ventured one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s among the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to leverage the assistance available. You can never receive too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated through the various support avenues provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone and how to find joy despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.