Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed 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 an experience my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons have I taken from this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forging friendships. This is undeniably one of the more frightening elements of commencing university, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it might be one of your greatest concerns. On my inaugural day moving into my accommodation, a few days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to leave and introduce myself to others. However, today I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the greatest friends I’ve ever had, right here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in comparable situations. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take the plunge at the start of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be plenty of ice-breaking chances and events to assist you in connecting with others. I also discovered that if you can embody anything, be yourself. With so many diverse individuals across the program and university, you’re bound to encounter others like you.
Another hurdle was the workload and difficulty of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even steeper leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment isn’t always easy for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several things 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 nearly assure you that others also don’t comprehend it. So, seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year. Ask for help from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They truly want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned taking leaps previously – I took one at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with the staff members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to familiarize yourself with the staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university is to take advantage of the assistance offered to you. You can never receive too much!
Overall, this year has enlightened me that feelings of nervousness, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unwarranted and can be eased with the abundance of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone, and it’s taught me how to have fun alongside stressors such as exams and deadlines.