Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainties about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forging friendships. This is often one of the most daunting parts of embarking on a university journey, and if you’re an incoming student, it may be a significant worry. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too apprehensive to emerge and interact with others. Today, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships here at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar predicaments. So, what was my takeaway? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is essential. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that being genuine is crucial. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a shift from A-levels, and in certain ways, an even greater transition from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and question your abilities. A few strategies helped me navigate through that sensation, one being the acknowledgment that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you that others are equally puzzled. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most vital lesson to grasp in the first year. Reach out for help from fellow students and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the difficulties students encounter. They show empathy and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year concerning our worries. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year was winding down, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to 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 key takeaway from this component of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never have an excess of it!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated with the diverse support avenues from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst pressures such as exams and deadlines.