Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Around ten months ago, 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. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously bashful and introverted self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year offer me, and what is my current perspective?
One of the first and most daunting hurdles I encountered was forging friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening aspects of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my inaugural day moving into my residence, just a few days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, far too intimidated to step out and meet others. However, as I sit here now, I can assertively state that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, both at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what lesson did I glean? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals across the program and university, you will certainly find others who share your interests.
Another challenge was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a notable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me overcome that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone faces similar situations. If something isn’t clear to you, I can almost assure you that there are others who also find it confusing. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They are genuinely invested in your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They relate to the students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke about taking chances earlier – I took one at the beginning of the year by serving as a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for your benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university life is to seize the help available. You can never have too much!
All in all, this year has taught me that anxious feelings, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated by the various support resources provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never alone and how to find joy even amidst pressures like exams and deadlines.