Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself anxious, apprehensive, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of beginning my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved personality was accustomed to. Looking back now, I recognize a year rich with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and perhaps most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is typically one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. However, today, I can proudly assert that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I learn? I discovered that it’s always wise to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you feel unprepared or uncomfortable, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaker activities and events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can embody anything, be yourself. With a diverse array of people within the course and university, you’re sure to connect with those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several factors aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the reassurance that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something doesn’t click for you, I can almost assure you that others are experiencing the same confusion. So, seek assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They show understanding and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I made one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role afforded me the opportunity to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university life is to capitalize on the support that’s available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
Generally speaking, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both before and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the plethora of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it’s illustrated how to relish my time alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.