Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, just ten months ago, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was poised to start my journey as a first-year student in Materials Science and Engineering. Diving into such a situation was definitely out of character for my previously timid and reserved nature. Reflecting on the past year, I now recognize it as a period of significant personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I confronted was making connections with others. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of embarking on a university journey, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be a major concern for you. On my arrival day to my accommodations, just a few days prior to the start of classes, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to fellow students. However, sitting here today, I can proudly assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in small talk with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s often beneficial to take a step forward at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling fully prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be a wealth of opportunities for icebreakers and events designed to help you make connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody any quality, let it be authenticity. There’s such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university; you’re sure to encounter people similar to you.
Another obstacle I needed to tackle was the volume of work and the level of difficulty of the content. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a challenging environment can be tough for your self-esteem; you may observe others diligently studying and feel inadequate by comparison. A few things assisted me in overcoming these feelings, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that there are several others who are equally confused. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could very well be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show understanding towards students and sustain regular communication with us throughout the year concerning our difficulties. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke earlier about taking bold steps – I did indeed take one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative. This role allowed me to form connections with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are various methods to interact with faculty, and it truly stands out as one of the best actions you can take for your personal growth! My key insight from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the assistance available to you. There’s no such thing as having too much support!
On a broader scale, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be mitigated by the plethora of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s shown me that I’m never solitary, and it has guided me on how to relish experiences alongside the pressures of exams and deadlines.