Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy and reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I reflect on a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights has this year provided, and where do I find myself now?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of commencing university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be a significant worry for you. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just days before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. However, today I can firmly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I have ever experienced, here at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this? I learned that taking a risk at the onset of the year is immensely helpful. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, fear not! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that being authentic is essential. With such a variety of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter people who share your mindset.
Another obstacle was the academic load and the challenge of the material. There was a clear leap from A-levels, and in some respects, even a greater change from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an atmosphere can shake your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. What helped me was the reassurance that everyone is experiencing the same circumstances. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost guarantee that others are in the same boat. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This might be the most vital skill to develop in your first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty!
This brings me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the challenges students encounter. They sympathize with us and keep open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned the importance of taking risks earlier – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the resources available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be eased with the support provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated that I am never alone and has taught me how to have fun despite the pressures of exams and deadlines.