Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved personality was used to. Looking back, I realize it has been an academic year filled with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most anxiety-inducing challenges I faced was making connections. This is undoubtedly one of the more intimidating elements of commencing university, and for those of you eyeing this as a prospective student, it may be among your primary concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term’s commencement, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here today, though, I can confidently assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve established a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversation with others in comparable situations. So, what insight did I gain? I realized that it’s always advantageous to take bold steps at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one principle, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you’ll inevitably find like-minded people.
Another obstacle I had to overcome was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in many respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the realization that everyone shares the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that there are at least several others who also don’t understand. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most indispensable lesson to assimilate in your first year. Request help from your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my subsequent point. The faculty within Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and comprehend that students face difficulties. They show compassion towards students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to build rapport with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s undeniably one of the best things you can do for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support being extended to you. You can never have too much!
Broadly, this year has illuminated the fact that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be mitigated by the plethora of support options available from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I am never alone, and it’s shown me how to find enjoyment amid stressful elements like exams and deadlines.