Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Just ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, concern, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted 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 did this year provide, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is commonly one of the most daunting parts of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Currently, however, I can confidently declare that I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all by initiating small conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I gain from this experience? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be many ice-breaker activities to aid you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being your authentic self is essential. Given the diverse range of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a marked 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 be tough on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel less capable. A few strategies helped me navigate this, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar feelings. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They are empathetic and maintain consistent communication with us about our concerns. I didn’t fully capitalize on the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I did step out of my comfort zone by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your experience! My primary takeaway from this part of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be eased by the various support systems accessible from both staff and peers. It taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.