Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. 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 previously timid and reserved nature was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most daunting hurdles was forming friendships. This can certainly be one of the more daunting elements of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student, it may be one of your greatest worries. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and meet others. Today, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it merely required striking up casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what lesson did I take away? I realized that it’s always advantageous 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-breaker chances and events designed to facilitate connections with others. I also discovered that if you can embody one quality, let it be authenticity. With such a diverse array of people throughout the course and university, you are sure to find kindred spirits.
Another obstacle was the intensity of the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies assisted me in overcoming that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone shares the same struggles. If you don’t understand something, I can nearly assure you that there are others who are equally lost. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in the first year. Request help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely desire your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with students and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I referenced taking leaps before – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary lesson from this facet of university life is to leverage the support you’re given. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has imparted the understanding that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often baseless and can be soothed with the various support resources available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has shown me how to enjoy myself amid pressures like tests and deadlines.