Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Nearly a year ago, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was a significant departure from my usual shy and introverted nature. Reflecting on the past year, I see a time rich in personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights has this past year provided me, and what is my current standing?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges was forming friendships. This is certainly one of the more intimidating elements of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be a major concern for you. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just days before the term began, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room because I was too apprehensive to venture out and greet others. Sitting here today, though, I can proudly say that I have forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, both at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all started with casual conversations with those in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is crucial. If you’re feeling a bit unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be numerous opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that if you can be anything, just be yourself. With such a wide variety of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find like-minded people.
Another challenge was managing the workload and the complexity of the content. There was undoubtedly a significant leap from A-levels, and in many ways, an even more considerable leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a challenging environment can be tough on your self-esteem; you might see your peers studying and feel as though you fall short. A few things helped me navigate that feeling, one of which was the understanding that everyone is facing similar struggles. If you find something challenging to grasp, I can almost assure you that several others are experiencing the same. Thus, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Asking for help may be the most crucial lesson to learn in your first year. Reach out to both your fellow students and the faculty!
This leads me to my next observation. The faculty in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They show understanding and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year about our challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking risks – I did take one at the beginning of the year by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect with faculty members, which is immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your own benefit! My primary lesson from this aspect of university life is to capitalize on the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
On a broader scale, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, before and during university, are typically unfounded and can be alleviated by the extensive support systems in place from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has guided me on how to find joy even amid stressful situations like exams and deadlines.