Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed by anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the cusp of beginning my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. The prospect of stepping into the unknown was foreign to my previously timid and introverted self. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the early and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more fearsome elements of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student perusing this, it might be one of your greatest worries. On my initial day of moving into my housing, just days before classes began, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to anyone. Yet, as I sit here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve built some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known, both at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with brief conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking a risk at the year’s outset can be quite rewarding. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, relax! There are numerous ice-breaking occasions and activities designed to foster connections with fellow students. I also discovered that being true to yourself is the finest strategy. With such a diverse cohort across the course and university, you are sure to find individuals with whom you connect.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some ways, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel out of your depth. A few strategies helped me navigate through that emotion, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar feelings. If you find something confusing, I can almost assure you that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out to your peers and faculty for support!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge the challenges students encounter. They relate to us and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our issues. I didn’t fully benefit from the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had started earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks – I did take one at the year’s commencement by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and this is undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never isolated and how to have fun despite stressors like examinations and deadlines.