Authored by Dawson La, MEng in Materials Science and Engineering
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a first-year student. Jumping straight in wasn’t something my formerly reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year rich with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
A significant and intimidating challenge at first was forming friendships. This often ranks as one of the most frightening aspects of starting university, and if you’re considering it, it might be a substantial worry. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just before the term began, I stayed in my room all day, too scared to venture out and meet new people. Presently, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the most wonderful friendships during my time at university and in my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all started with casual conversations with peers in similar circumstances. What have I learned? It’s important to take a risk early in the year. If you’re not prepared or feel uneasy, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking events to assist you in connecting with others. Additionally, if you can embody anything, be yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the amount of work and the difficulty of the material. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and an even more significant leap from the first to the second term. Being in that atmosphere can be challenging for your confidence; you might feel less capable compared to your peers. What assisted me was recognizing that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, chances are it is for others too. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Seek support from classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and understand the challenges students confront. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication with us concerning our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I took one by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position helped me connect with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are many avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary takeaway is to fully utilize the resources available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that apprehensions about university are frequently misplaced and can be eased through the support from both staff and fellow students. It has made me aware that I’m never solitary and shown me how to relish my experience despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.