Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, 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 introverted and reserved self 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 where do I stand now?
One of the earliest and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was the challenge of making friends. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you are an incoming student, it could be one of your largest worries. On the very first day of moving into my housing, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day retreating into my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, however, I am proud to say that I’ve built some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and within this program. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I found that it’s essential to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also came to understand that if there’s one thing to be, it’s genuine. With such a diverse mix of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter others like yourself.
Another obstacle was handling the course workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging to your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel less competent. A few strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, I can almost guarantee that others are as well. Therefore, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to learn during the first year. Reach out for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and understand that students face challenges. They are empathetic toward students and maintain open lines of communication with us regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had recognized its importance sooner. I mentioned taking chances earlier – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to build relationships with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to utilize the assistance available. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me 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’m never on my own and how to have fun in tandem with challenges like exams and deadlines.