Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar wasn’t something I was used to, given my previously shy and reserved nature. Looking back now, 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 standing?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was making friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your major worries. On my initial day moving into my residence, a few days before classes started, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar positions. So, what have I gleaned? I’ve realized that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody anything, be genuine. With such a diverse range of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was definitely an escalation compared to A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can shake your confidence; you may see others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies helped me cope with that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone shares this experience. If you don’t grasp something, I can virtually assure you that there are others who don’t as well. So, reach out for assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Seek support from your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend that students go through tough times. They relate to students and maintain continuous communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had started earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking chances – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are plenty of methods to familiarize yourself with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My main lesson from this aspect of university is to seize the support offered to you. You can never have an excess of help!
Overall, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the abundant support resources available from faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone, and it’s illustrated how to find enjoyment even amid pressure from exams and deadlines.