Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Immersing myself in the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid self was used to. Looking back on the past academic year, I recognize a journey filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I discovered, and what is my current standing?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most terrifying elements of commencing university, and if you’re an upcoming student, this might be a significant worry for you. On the day I moved into my accommodation, a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day in my room, feeling too daunted to venture out and connect with others. Now, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships here at this university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in the same situation. So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking a chance at the start of the year is always advantageous. If you don’t feel prepared, don’t fret! There will be many ice-breaking activities to assist you in meeting others. I also learned to embrace who you are. With such a wide array of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear increase from A-levels, and an even steeper rise from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can influence your self-confidence; you may observe others studying and start to question your own skills. What aided me was recalling that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, it’s likely that others don’t as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This is possibly the most essential lesson in the first year. Always seek help from classmates and instructors!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and comprehend the challenges students encounter. They show empathy and uphold consistent communication regarding our issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I regret not doing so earlier. I spoke about taking chances – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty members, which is priceless. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary lesson is to capitalize on the resources available. You can never have too much support!
All in all, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated by the support available from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy even amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.