Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I found myself anxious, fearful, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I can see a year that has been rich with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges was forging friendships. This is surely one of the more intimidating aspects of beginning university, and if you’re a future student, it might be one of your primary concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term beginning, I spent the entire day hidden in my room due to feeling too intimidated to step outside and introduce myself to anyone. Sitting here now, I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever known, here at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all commenced with engaging in small talk with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I gain from this experience? I discovered that it’s always worthwhile to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking occasions and events to aid you in connecting with fellow students. I also learned that if you can be one thing, be authentically yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the workload and complexity of the content. There was certainly a significant leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting isn’t always conducive to your confidence; witnessing others studying may make you feel inadequate. A few elements helped me navigate through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can nearly guarantee that others don’t either. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most crucial lesson to embrace in 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 recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with us and maintain consistent communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I spoke earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the start of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to connect with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are ample opportunities to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and it’s certainly one of the best decisions you can make for your own benefit! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In a broader sense, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be eased with the wealth of support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone, and it’s also taught me how to embrace enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.