By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Looking back ten months to October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey as a first-year student in Materials Science and Engineering. Such a significant move was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Now, as I reflect, I recognize a year filled with growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
A major and initially intimidating hurdle was making friends. This is often one of the most daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re an upcoming student, it might worry you greatly. On my first day moving into my residence, just days before classes commenced, I remained in my room all day, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within my program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in the same boat. So, what did I take away from this? I realized it’s best to take a risk early in the year. If you’re not prepared or at ease, that’s fine! Numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events will be available to help forge connections. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With a plethora of diverse individuals in the course and university, you’re bound to encounter those who share your mindset.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being in such a competitive atmosphere can strain your confidence; seeing others study may leave you feeling inadequate. A few strategies aided me, one being the reassurance that everyone shares similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you others do too. Hence, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most vital lesson of the first year. Request assistance from your classmates and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The personnel in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize the challenges students encounter. They show understanding and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I’d done so earlier. I spoke of taking risks earlier – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role provided me the chance to connect with the staff, which is incredibly beneficial. There are countless ways to engage with faculty, and it’s among the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary lesson in this realm of university life is to capitalize on the assistance provided. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased through the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.