Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of beginning my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and where am I now?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the most frightening aspects of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too daunted to go out and meet others. Today, I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and everything began with casual conversations with people in similar situations. So, what have I taken away from this experience? I’ve learned that it’s best to take a chance right at the start of the year. If you’re not fully ready or comfortable, fear not! There will be numerous ice-breaking events and opportunities to help you engage with others. I’ve also discovered that if you can embody one quality, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same circumstances. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are as well. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to internalize in your first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my following point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They empathize with us and keep in constant touch regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t take advantage of the pastoral support until the last part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking risks earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s certainly one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My main takeaway from this aspect of university life is to leverage the available support. You can never have too much help!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support avenues provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amid the pressures of exams and deadlines.