Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
In October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, 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. Embracing the unfamiliar was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the most daunting facets of entering university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be one of your main worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself. Sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I have formed some of the best 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 a bit of casual conversation with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I glean from this experience? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaker events and opportunities to engage with others. I also recognized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals in the program and university, you’re bound to encounter those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some ways, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can challenge your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inferior. A few things helped me navigate that feeling, one being the understanding that everyone is in the same situation. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost assure you there are others who feel the same. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the 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 faculty in Materials is phenomenal. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year concerning our struggles. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had utilized it earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to meet faculty members, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My key takeaway from this aspect of university is to capitalize on the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of apprehension, both beforehand and during university, often lack foundation and can be eased with the various support resources offered by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to find enjoyment even in the presence of stressors like exams and deadlines.