Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey as a first-year student in Materials Science and Engineering. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved nature was equipped to handle. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! So, what lessons have I gathered from this year, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was building friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your greatest concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the term began, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can confidently affirm that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all it required was some casual conversation with individuals in similar positions. So, what was my takeaway? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take that initial leap at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaker opportunities and events to aid in connecting with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing you can be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse range of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to meet those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was definitely a noticeable leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to building confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something doesn’t make sense, I can almost assure you there are others who are also struggling with it. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to both your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want to see you thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so sooner. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are typically unfounded and can be eased with the numerous support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself amid sources of stress like exams and deadlines.