Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the journey ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize an academic year brimming with personal growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what have I gleaned from this year, and where do I find myself now?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges I confronted was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating aspects of beginning university, and if you’re viewing this as a prospective student, it might be one of your main concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of term, I spent the whole day secluding myself in my room, too overwhelmed to venture out and greet others. Sitting here now, I can assertively say I’ve developed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this course. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in small talk with others in similar situations. So, what lesson did I take away? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a risk at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can prioritize one thing, it should be being yourself. With so many diverse individuals in the course and university, you are certain to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge I needed to navigate was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a challenging environment can sometimes shake your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you find something difficult to grasp, I can nearly guarantee there are several others who are struggling as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the later part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously talked about taking chances – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, 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 leverage the support being offered. You can never have too much help!
Overall, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are typically unfounded and can be alleviated with the extensive support options available from faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to find joy amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.