Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled 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. Venturing into the unknown wasn’t something my previously shy and introverted self was familiar with. Reflecting back, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart to me, and what is my current state?
One of the earliest and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more daunting elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your major worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the entire day confined to my room because I felt too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Sitting here now, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was engaging in casual conversation with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always advantageous to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and events to facilitate your interaction with others. I also learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. There are so many diverse individuals throughout the course and university; you are sure to find others like you.
Another obstacle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such an environment isn’t always beneficial for your confidence; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is navigating the same circumstances. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can almost assure you that there are others who also don’t grasp it. So, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace during your first year. Request help from your peers and the staff!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are incredible. They genuinely want you to excel and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had accessed it sooner. I spoke about taking chances – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous opportunities to get to know the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance you’re offered. You can never have too much!
On a broader scale, this year has revealed to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are almost always baseless and can be eased by the multitude of support options available from staff and fellow students. It has shown me that I’m never alone, and it has taught me how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.