Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously timid and introverted self was familiar with. Looking back now, I can see a year abundant with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more fearful elements of commencing university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your primary concerns. On my first day moving into my dormitory, a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day confined in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. However, as I sit here today, I can assertively say I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever known, both in this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all initiated by casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what was my takeaway? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also realized that if you could embody one thing, it should be your authentic self. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a notable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can take a toll on your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate through that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to comprehend something, I can almost assure you that others are facing the same challenge. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to learn in the first year. Reach out to your classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand that students face difficulties. They empathize with us and consistently communicate throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I did take one at the year’s outset by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support available. You can never seek too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often unwarranted and can be alleviated with the various support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to have fun despite pressures like exams and due dates.