Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself now?
One of the primary and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my very first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to anyone. Sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve established a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I glean? I discovered that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breaking and events to assist in connecting with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s authentic. With so many diverse individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find others like yourself.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment doesn’t always do wonders for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things aided me through that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If something is unclear, I can nearly guarantee that others are equally puzzled. Thus, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show understanding to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks at the beginning; I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are many avenues to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My principal takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support you’re given. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always unmerited and can be eased with the variety of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.