Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, scared, and unsure about what awaited me. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back on the past year, I recognize a time rich with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your biggest worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room because I was too daunted to leave and introduce myself to others. However, today, I can proudly declare that I’ve developed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the outset of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaker chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also found that if you can be anything, be genuine. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase 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 challenge your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few factors aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly assure that there are a number of others who also don’t comprehend it. So, ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding 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 taking leaps earlier – I did take one at the year’s beginning by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to connect with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to leverage the support available to you. You can never have too much!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased by the numerous support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to have fun while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.