Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a first-year student. Embracing the unfamiliar wasn’t something my formerly timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current position?
One of the primary and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is often one of the most frightening parts of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be a significant concern for you. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can assertively state that I’ve established some of the best friendships I’ve ever encountered, both at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and everything began with a bit of casual conversation with others in identical situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always best to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker activities and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also learned that if you can choose one thing to be, be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find people who share your mindset.
Another challenge was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There undoubtedly was a significant shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an atmosphere can test your self-assurance; you may observe others studying and feel less capable. A few factors aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same situation as you. If you encounter something you don’t grasp, I can nearly assure you there are others who are also confused. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Request help from your peers and staff!
This brings me to my next point. The staff in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They empathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our difficulties. I didn’t fully capitalize on the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the year’s commencement by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated with the abundant support options available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has illustrated how to find joy amid pressures like exams and deadlines.