Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Engaging with the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating challenges was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting facets of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be a significant worry for you. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, today, I can proudly declare that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this course. I have developed a second family at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not prepared or at ease, don’t panic! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being your authentic self is essential. With so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter like-minded people.
Another difficulty was handling the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a jump from A-levels, and in some aspects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is facing the same circumstances. If you don’t grasp something, I can nearly assure you that others don’t either. So, ask for assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to learn during the first year. Seek guidance from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials is outstanding. They want you to thrive and acknowledge that students encounter difficulties. They sympathize with students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to build connections with the faculty, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself! My main takeaway from this is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the support available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to have fun despite pressures like exams and deadlines.