Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. As I prepared to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student, stepping into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year infused with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! What wisdom has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I faced was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too overwhelmed to step out and introduce myself to others. However, reflecting on my experience today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known here at this university and in this course. I’ve built a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with individuals in similar predicaments. So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s crucial to take a chance at the onset of the year. If you’re feeling a bit hesitant or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also came to realize that if you can be anything, be your authentic self. With such a wide array of diverse individuals within the course and university, you are sure to find your tribe.
Another obstacle was the demands of the workload and the difficulty of the content. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one of which was reminding myself that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you struggle to grasp a topic, I can almost assure you that there are others who feel the same way. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication about our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I previously mentioned about taking risks – I did seize one at the beginning of the year by taking on the role of a year well-being representative. This experience allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this facet of university life is to maximize the assistance provided to you. You can never have too much help!
Ultimately, this year has shown me that feelings of apprehension, both prior to and during university, are frequently baseless and can be diminished with the array of support options offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and has illustrated how to find joy amidst challenges such as exams and deadlines.