Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about 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 previously reserved self was familiar with. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you are a potential student, it may be a significant worry. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day in my room, too intimidated to venture out and socialize. Now, I can confidently say I have forged some of the best friendships here at university and within my course. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I learn? It’s beneficial to take a leap at the beginning of the year. If you aren’t prepared or comfortable, don’t panic! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to facilitate engagement with others. I also discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a wide variety of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who share your interests.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the difficulty of the material. There was a clear transition from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being in such an environment can be challenging for your confidence; you may feel inadequate in comparison to others. What aided me was the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you don’t grasp something, chances are that others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This may be the most vital lesson in the first year. Reach out to peers and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and acknowledge the challenges students encounter. They empathize and maintain regular communication with us throughout the year. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps before – I made one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with staff members, which is invaluable. There are numerous ways to get to know staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated with the assistance available from staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone and how to find joy amid stressors like exams and deadlines.