Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I found myself feeling anxious, afraid, and uncertain about what was ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Jumping into the unknown was far from what my former shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Reflecting on the past year, I realize it has been an academic journey filled with personal growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current status?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I confronted was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more frightening aspects of embarking on university life, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be at the forefront of your concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes began, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, overwhelmed by the thought of stepping out to meet people. However, sitting here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in similar circumstances. So, what did I take away from this experience? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the start of the year. If you don’t feel fully prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless opportunities for ice-breaking and events that encourage engagement with others. I also realized that if you can embody one trait, it should be your true self. The variety of individuals within the program and at the university ensures that you will find people who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I had to navigate was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater leap from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such an environment may not always boost your confidence; you could observe others studying and feel inadequate in comparison. A few strategies helped me cope with this feeling; one being the recognition that everyone shares similar experiences. If you don’t grasp a concept, I can practically assure you that there are several others who don’t understand it either. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the most crucial skill to acquire during your first year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from both classmates and faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face challenges. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication regarding our concerns throughout the year. I didn’t really leverage the support services until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I made one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty, which is an immensely beneficial opportunity. There are numerous avenues through which to build relationships with staff, and it’s undeniably one of the best actions you can take for your well-being! My key takeaway from this particular facet of university life is to seize the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
Overall, this year has enlightened me to the fact that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are often unfounded and can be alleviated through the extensive support options provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone and has shown me how to find enjoyment alongside the inevitable stressors such as exams and deadlines.