Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might be among your main worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the term started, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too scared to step outside and introduce myself to others. From my current perspective, I can comfortably say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advisable. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you can embody one thing, be authentic. With a wide array of diverse individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find like-minded peers.
Another challenge was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undeniably a significant increase from A-levels, and in many respects, an even larger transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be challenging for your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is going through a similar experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you there are others who share that same confusion. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to take away from the first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty!
This brings me to my following point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had embraced it earlier. I mentioned taking risks 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 faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous paths to become acquainted with faculty, and it is certainly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated with the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone and how to have fun despite pressures like exams and deadlines.