Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. Soon, I was set to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is definitely one of the more nerve-wracking aspects of commencing university, and if you’re considering this as a future student, it might top your list of worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just a few days ahead of the semester’s start, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too frightened to venture out and meet others. Nevertheless, sitting here now, I can assertively state I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known, both here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family within Imperial, and all it required was sparking small conversations with people in similar circumstances. So, what have I discerned? I realized that taking the plunge at the year’s beginning is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities and events to help you break the ice and connect with peers. I also discovered that if you can embody anything, be true to yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to meet those who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the volume of work and complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some ways, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always straightforward for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel insufficient. A few strategies aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that we are all in the same situation. If something doesn’t make sense, I can nearly assure you that others are confused too. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson learned in the first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They truly want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They sympathize with us and ensure ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit! My main lesson from this facet of university is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much!
In general, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated through the multitude of support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find enjoyment amidst challenges like exams and deadlines.