Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I felt a surge of anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year pupil. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously quiet and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was making new friends. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting components of initiating university, and if you’re perusing this as an aspiring student, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my initial day settling into my residence, a few days before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day ensconced in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can assertively claim that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had within this university and course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all of which commenced with casual conversations with fellow students. So, what did I come to realize? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t completely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate your connection with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re surely going to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the academic workload and the complexity of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always conducive to building your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that feeling, one of which was the reminder that everyone is navigating the same journey. If you’re puzzled by something, I can almost guarantee there are others who also don’t grasp it. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Request help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize the challenges that students face. They empathize with us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had engaged sooner. I mentioned taking leaps before – I did take one at the outset of the year as a well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly advantageous. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance being offered to you. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has made me realize that feelings of nervousness, both in anticipation of and during university, are generally baseless and can be mitigated by the plethora of support available from faculty and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone and has shown me how to have fun while managing stressors such as exams and deadlines.