Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with nervousness, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Reflecting now, I see a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted to me, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges was forging friendships. This is definitely one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it may be among your greatest concerns. On my first day moving into my residence, days before the semester started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to venture out and greet others. However, sitting here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, both here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was initiating small conversations with others in similar situations. So, what have I learned? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel completely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker opportunities and events that will facilitate engagement with others. I also learned that if you can embody one thing, let it be your true self. There is a vast array of individuals across the program and university; you are sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the workload and the difficulty of the content. There certainly was a significant transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something is unclear, I can almost assure you that there are at least a handful of others who also do not grasp it. So, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year—ask for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to excel and are aware that students face challenges. They empathize with us and maintain continuous communication regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did make one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to develop relationships with the staff, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never receive too much help!
In a broader sense, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be alleviated by the plethora of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone, and it has taught me how to find joy amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.