Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year replete with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most challenging obstacles was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating elements of commencing university, and if you find yourself reading this as an incoming student, it could be one of your primary concerns. On my moving-in day, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room because I was too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to others. Today, I can emphatically say that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever encountered here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in some casual conversation with people facing similar situations. So, what did I learn? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you feel a bit unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker opportunities and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. There’s such a variety of individuals in the course and at the university; you’re bound to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always easy on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few things aided me in navigating that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone shares your experience. If something isn’t clear, I can nearly assure you that at least a handful of others are equally perplexed. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and maintain regular communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke of taking leaps at the beginning; I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to get to know faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to utilize the assistance being offered. You can never have too much!
In general, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are often irrational and can be mitigated through the extensive support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.