Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt a wave of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the journey ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my formerly shy and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I realize a year abundant with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more fearsome elements of beginning university, and if you find yourself reading this as an aspiring student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. Today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had here at university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that taking a bold step at the start of the year is always the best route. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the challenges of the content. There was certainly a significant jump from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more considerable leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few things helped me navigate through this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my following point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They are genuinely invested in your success and grasp the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking bold steps – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role facilitated my connections with the staff, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to connect with the staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the multitude of support resources provided by staff and peers. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.