Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding 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 formerly shy and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart to me, and what is my current status?
One of the first and most formidable challenges was forging friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more daunting facets of beginning university, and if you are reading this as a prospective student, it could be among your greatest concerns. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the commencement of the term, I spent the entire day in my room, too frightened to venture out and meet new people. As I sit here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what was my takeaway? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t quite feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. I also discovered that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the demanding workload and complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was indeed significant, and in some respects, there was an even steeper increase from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment isn’t always great for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one being the awareness that everyone is facing the same struggles. If something doesn’t make sense to you, I can nearly assure you that others feel the same. Therefore, ask for assistance. This may well be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for guidance from your colleagues and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face challenges. They are empathetic towards students and maintain consistent communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did take a step at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to establish connections with the faculty members, which is incredibly valuable. There are numerous ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s unquestionably one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway regarding this aspect of university life is to maximize the help that is available to you. There’s never too much!
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are generally baseless and can be eased by the vast support options accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never isolated, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment even alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.