Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was filled with nervousness, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into the unknown was not something my once-timid and introverted self was familiar with. Reflecting on this past academic year, I recognize it as a period of personal growth, obstacles, and immense enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was the task of making friends. This certainly ranks among the more intimidating aspects of beginning university, and if you’re perusing this as a potential student, it may be one of your largest concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and greet others. However, sitting here today, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and within this program. I’ve developed a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in some light conversation with individuals who were in similar situations. So, what did I learn? I discovered that it’s always advantageous to make a move at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel fully prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breaking and events designed to facilitate engagement with others. I also learned that if you can embody one quality, be yourself. With such a diverse range of people throughout the course and university, you’re bound to connect with individuals like you.
Another obstacle I needed to overcome was the volume of work and the difficulty of the content. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into that kind of environment isn’t always a confidence booster; you might notice others studying and feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate that sentiment, one being the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find yourself confused about something, I can nearly guarantee that there are others who feel the same. So, do not hesitate to seek help. This may very well be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Seek assistance from your classmates and the faculty!
This leads me to my subsequent point. The faculty in Materials are fantastic. They genuinely want you to succeed and are aware that students face challenges. They show empathy towards students and keep us informed throughout the year about our concerns. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – at the start of the year, I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to connect with staff members, which holds immense value. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to make the most of the support available to you. You can never have too much help!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both prior to and during university, are largely baseless and can be eased with the plethora of support resources from staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment even amidst stressors like exams and deadlines.