Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
10 months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was an experience my previously timid self was not familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year rich in personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most fearful elements of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be a significant worry. On my inaugural day moving into my residence, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day in my room, feeling too daunted to go out and socialize. At present, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the finest friends here at university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all originated from casual conversations with others in comparable situations. So, what did I discover? I realized it’s essential to make a bold move at the commencement of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker events to assist in making connections with others. I also found out that being your authentic self is vital. With a multitude of diverse personalities at the university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded peers.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can test your self-assurance; you may feel inadequate in comparison to your peers. What aided me was the reminder that everyone is navigating the same circumstances. If you find something puzzling, it’s likely that others do too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most essential lesson for first-year students. Reach out for help from classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain consistent communication with us concerning our apprehensions. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking bold steps before – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is invaluable. There are numerous methods to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it represents one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway is to seize the support available. You can never have too much of it!
In summary, this past year has demonstrated that feelings of nervousness about university are often baseless and can be eased through the support provided by faculty and fellow students. It has revealed that I am never alone and how to find joy even amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.