Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I found myself anxious and uncertain about the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my formerly shy self was familiar with. Looking back now, I see it as a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles was making new friends. This is frequently one of the most frightening aspects of starting university, and for any prospective student, it can be a significant concern. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, just before classes commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too afraid to venture out and meet others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had here at university and in my program. I discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaking activities to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another hurdle was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was a notable transition from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can influence your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. What aided me was remembering that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be the most crucial lesson from the first year. Reach out to peers and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the support system until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referenced taking risks before – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position helped me connect with the staff, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway is to utilize the support provided. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year demonstrated to me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support available from faculty and fellow colleagues. It taught me that I’m never alone and how to enjoy myself despite pressures such as exams and deadlines.