Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my once shy and 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 this year, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most formidable hurdles was making new friends. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening elements of entering university, and if you are an incoming student, it might be among your top worries. On my initial day settling into my housing, a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day cooped up in my room, daunted by the idea of venturing out and introducing myself to others. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I extract from this? I realized that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel entirely ready 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 authentic is essential. With a multitude of diverse individuals throughout the course and university, you will certainly find those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was a significant transition from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being suddenly immersed in such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you may see others studying and feel insufficient. Several factors aided me in overcoming this sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, I can almost guarantee others are too. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the single most critical lesson to grasp during your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize the challenges students encounter. They relate to students and consistently communicate throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking leaps – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance provided. You can never receive too much help!
In summary, this year has revealed that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the various support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never isolated and how to find enjoyment despite pressures like exams and deadlines.