Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a fresh first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a path of personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the earliest and most challenging tasks was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your major worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too fearful to step out and meet others. Today, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I gather from this? I discovered that making an effort at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to meet people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the demand of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undeniably a transition from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always confidence-boosting; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can nearly assure you that others are also lost. Thus, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to grasp during the first year. Reach out for help from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referenced taking leaps earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself! My key insight from this aspect of university life is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are often misplaced and can be alleviated with the multitude of support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to find joy amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.