Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year rich in personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it might weigh heavily on your mind. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s commencement, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Now, I can proudly state that I have formed some of the best friendships here, creating a second family at Imperial. It all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean? It’s crucial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t ready or comfortable, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking possibilities and events to facilitate connections. I also discovered that authenticity is essential. With so many varied individuals throughout the course and university, you will inevitably encounter like-minded peers.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might feel less capable compared to others. What helped me was recalling that everyone shares the same experience. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely that others feel the same way. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most critical lesson from the first year. Seek guidance from fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and are aware of student challenges. They show empathy and keep open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I made a bold choice at the year’s outset by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway is to take full advantage of the assistance offered. You can never receive too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness about university are frequently baseless and can be mitigated with the support available from both staff and peers. I’ve realized that I’m never isolated and have learned to have fun despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.