Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, frightened, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown was a significant departure from my typically shy and reserved nature. Reflecting on the year, I recognize it as one filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons have I gleaned from this year, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most daunting obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more anxiety-inducing elements of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it may be among your primary concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to term commencement, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself to others. As I sit here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, here at this university and within this program. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all came down to striking up casual conversations with peers in similar situations. So, what have I discovered? I’ve realized that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel completely ready or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous opportunities and events designed to facilitate engagement with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of people in the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and in some respects an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can challenge your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can nearly guarantee there are several others in the same situation. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out for help from fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize that students face difficulties. They empathize and maintain open communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until near the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative. This role granted me the opportunity to connect with faculty members, which is invaluable. There are many avenues to engage with staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My main takeaway from this specific aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support available to you. There’s no such thing as too much help!
On a broader scale, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both in the lead-up to and during university, are generally unwarranted and can be mitigated by the wide range of support options offered by staff and fellow students. It has illuminated the fact that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.