Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, fearful, and unsure about what the future held. I was on the brink of commencing my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my once shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting back, I recognize a year rich with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current position?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was the task of making friends. This is certainly one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my first day of moving into my residence, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day retreating to my room as I felt too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, though, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with those in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this? I discovered that taking an initiative at the start of the year is always beneficial. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking chances and gatherings to assist you in connecting with others. I’ve also realized that being true to yourself is the most effective strategy. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you are sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was keeping up with the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few things aided me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reassurance that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If something isn’t clear to you, I can nearly guarantee that others are in the same position. Therefore, seek assistance. This could be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Don’t hesitate to ask your peers and the staff for help!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are absolutely wonderful. They genuinely desire for you to thrive and recognize that students face difficulties. They understand students’ struggles and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support offered until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned taking bold steps previously – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are myriad avenues to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to embrace the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
In summary, this year has imparted the understanding that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be eased with the abundance of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I am never alone, and it has illustrated how to enjoy my experience even amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.