Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Taking such a major step was far from what my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Reflecting now, I see a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it might rank among your greatest concerns. On my inaugural day of moving into my accommodations, a few days prior to the semester’s commencement, I spent the entire day retreating in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can say with assurance that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships of my life here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in light conversation with those in comparable situations. So, what did I come to understand? I learned it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or comfortable, fret not! There will be an abundance of ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody anything, be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re certain to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge involved the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always a boost to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the assurance that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something is unclear, I can nearly guarantee that there are at least several others who share that confusion. So, seek assistance. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They resonate with students’ challenges and maintain constant communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the tail end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps earlier – I indeed took one at the year’s outset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to build rapport with the staff members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s undeniably one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has enlightened me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are almost always unfounded and can be alleviated through the multitude of support mechanisms provided by staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never alone, and it’s taught me how to relish my experiences alongside stresses such as examinations and deadlines.