Brought to you by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future as I embarked on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with self-improvement, obstacles, and enjoyment. What insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently a significant worry for newcomers to university. On my first day in my residential hall, I spent the whole day in my room, daunted by the thought of meeting new individuals. Today, I can confidently affirm that I’ve formed some of the best friendships here at university. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial merely by striking up casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. The main takeaway? Take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling up to it, don’t fret; there are numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting. Be authentic, and you’ll locate individuals with similar interests.
A further challenge was juggling the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a clear increase from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. It’s easy to feel inadequate when observing others studying. Keep in mind, everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you’re struggling with a concept, it’s likely that others are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek help—it’s essential during your first year. Look for support from fellow students and faculty!
The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the struggles that students face. They keep an open line of communication regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken that step earlier. I took a bold move by becoming a year well-being representative, which allowed me to connect with staff members—a priceless opportunity. There are numerous ways to build relationships with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take. Utilize the available support; there’s no such thing as too much help!
This year has shown me that feelings of nervousness about university are often baseless and can be eased with the support provided by staff and peers. I’ve come to understand that I’m never isolated and how to have fun despite the pressures from exams and deadlines.