Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the cusp of embarking on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my historically timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I currently stand?
One of the first and most overwhelming hurdles was forging friendships. This certainly ranks as one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it might resonate as one of your primary worries. On my initial day settling into residence, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet anyone. Nevertheless, as I sit here now, I can affirm that I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships of my life, right here at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began by engaging in light conversations with others in similar situations. So, what’s the takeaway? I realized that taking a plunge at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel quite prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking chances and events designed to help you connect with fellow students. I also discovered that if you can embrace one thing, it should be authenticity. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another challenge I faced was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a distinct transition from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even steeper transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for one’s confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A couple of strategies that helped me navigate those sentiments included the realization that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that several others feel the same way. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace during the first year. Reach out for help from both peers and faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the challenges students face. They show empathy towards students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the later stages of the year, but I wish I had leveraged it sooner. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I did take one at the year’s onset by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to build relationships with staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to connect with staff, and this is undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the support available to you. You can never receive too much assistance!
On a broader scale, this year has illuminated the fact that feelings of nervousness, both preceding and during university, are almost invariably unfounded and can be mitigated through the extensive support systems provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy my experiences even amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.