Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt nervous and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was set to commence my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown wasn’t something my previously timid self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re a future student, it might be a considerable worry. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and socialize. Now, I can proudly say I’ve established some of the finest friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with light conversation with individuals in comparable situations. So, what have I discovered? It’s preferable to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being true to yourself is vital. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the content. There was a noticeable leap from A-levels, and an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can influence your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was recalling that everyone is navigating the same circumstances. If you find something challenging, others likely do too. So, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson in your first year. Reach out to peers and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge the challenges students face. They empathize and maintain open communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself! My principal takeaway is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much!
On the whole, this year has shown me that anxious feelings regarding university are often unfounded and can be eased with the support accessible from staff and fellow students. I’ve realized I’m never alone and how to find joy amid the stress of exams and deadlines.