Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my Materials Science and Engineering degree as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a significant amount of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and what is my current state?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is undoubtedly one of the more frightening components of commencing university, and if you are reading this as a future student, it may be among your greatest worries. On the very first day of moving into my residence, a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day hidden in my room, too daunted to emerge and meet others. However, sitting here today, I can assuredly say I have made some of the finest friends I’ve ever had, both at this university and in this program. I’ve developed a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with engaging in small conversations with people in similar situations. So, what lesson did I learn? I discovered that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always the best approach. If you don’t feel equipped or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaking chances and events to facilitate connections with others. I also found that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With such a diverse mix of individuals across the program and university, you are sure to discover those who resonate with you.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and difficulty of the material. There was undeniably a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be hard on your self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me navigate through this sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is facing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are in the same boat. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out for help from peers and staff!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with our challenges and keep open lines of communication throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully make use of the pastoral support until the year was almost over, but I wish I had done so earlier. As I mentioned before about taking risks – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to become acquainted with the staff members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are various ways to establish connections with the staff, and it is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary lesson from this aspect of university is to seize the opportunities for help that are available to you. You can never have too much support!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are frequently unfounded and can be mitigated with the many support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never alone, and it has revealed how to enjoy myself even amid stressors such as exams and deadlines.