Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
One of the foremost and most intimidating hurdles was making connections. This is frequently one of the most nerve-wracking elements of starting university, and if you are an incoming student, it may be a significant worry for you. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, daunted by the thought of stepping out and meeting people. However, today I can assert with confidence that I have forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is always advantageous. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker events designed to assist you in connecting with others. I also found that being true to yourself is essential. With such a diverse community throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter like-minded individuals.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the level of difficulty in the content. There was a clear transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a challenging environment can impact your confidence; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few factors helped me navigate this, one being the reminder that everyone shares similar experiences. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others do as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out for support from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand the challenges students encounter. They resonate with students and sustain ongoing communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. As I mentioned earlier about taking bold steps – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available. There is no such thing as too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and throughout university, are often baseless and can be mitigated with the numerous support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has made me realize that I’m never alone and taught me how to have fun despite pressures like exams and deadlines.