By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was accustomed to. Looking back over the past year, I realize it has been a time full of personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what lessons have I acquired, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles I encountered was making new friends. This is certainly one of the more daunting parts of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student, it might be one of your most significant worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. However, reflecting on my experience today, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had during my time at this university and in this course. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with a bit of small talk with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the start of the year is always a great approach. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking events and opportunities to help you connect with others. Furthermore, I discovered that if you can embody one thing, it should be your true self. With such a diverse range of people in the course and university, you are sure to find others who resonate with you.
Another challenge was the demands of the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more substantial jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can take a toll on your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel insufficient. A few aspects aided me in overcoming that feeling, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are also struggling. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could very well be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are remarkable. They genuinely want you to thrive and acknowledge that students face difficulties. They show compassion towards students and keep in regular contact with us throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t really utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I took one at the year’s start by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to connect with staff, and it’s one of the best moves you can make for yourself! My main takeaway regarding this aspect of university is to fully utilize the assistance available to you. You can never have too much!
In summary, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unwarranted and can be mitigated by the various support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to find joy amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.