By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Looking back ten months to October 2022, I remember feeling anxious and uncertain as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not a familiar experience for my formerly reserved self. Now, reflecting on the past year, I recognize a time filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
A primary and intimidating hurdle was creating friendships. This is frequently a major concern for newcomers, and if you’re viewing this as a potential student, it might be on your mind as well. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and socialize. Today, I can confidently declare that I have made some of the greatest friends here at the university and within my course. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with brief conversations with others in similar situations. What did I discover? It’s essential to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not prepared or comfortable, that’s okay! There are numerous events designed to break the ice and help you connect with others. Also, simply be yourself. With a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find peers who share your interests.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of content. A notable increase in intensity compared to A-levels was evident, and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can challenge your self-confidence; you might feel less capable in comparison to peers. What aided me was the reminder that everyone faces similar challenges. If you struggle with something, it’s likely that others do too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson from the first year. Seek help from classmates and staff!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the difficulties that students encounter. They are empathetic and maintain consistent communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t take advantage of pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. At the start of the year, I bravely volunteered to be a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are many avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My main takeaway is to fully utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness about university are typically unfounded and can be eased with the support available from both staff and students. I’ve learned that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.