Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt nervous, scared, and unsure about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my previously introverted and quiet self was used to. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and immense joy! But what insights have I gathered this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I faced was forming friendships. This is undeniably one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you are reading this as an incoming student, it may be one of your primary worries. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days before the term started, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too afraid to step out and meet others. Sitting here now, I can assert that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, right here at this university and within this course. I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals in similar circumstances. So, what’s the lesson? I discovered that taking a chance at the onset of the year is always wise. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events to facilitate connections with others. I also realized that if you can embody one quality, be your true self. With the diverse array of people across the course and university, you’re likely to discover others who share your interests.
Another hurdle I encountered was the level of coursework and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such a setting isn’t always straightforward for one’s self-esteem; you may observe others studying and feel inferior. A few aspects aided me in overcoming that sentiment, one being the understanding that everyone shares similar experiences. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that at least a handful of others also find it puzzling. So, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out to your peers and the faculty!
This brings me to my next observation. The staff in Materials are incredible. They truly want you to thrive and are aware that students face challenges. They show understanding towards students and keep in constant touch with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I spoke about taking chances at the beginning; I did take one by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with staff members, which is tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to become acquainted with faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to leverage the support available. You can never have too much of it!
Overall, this year has imparted to me that feelings of anxiety, both prior to and during university, are nearly always unfounded and can be mitigated by the plentiful support options provided by faculty and fellow students. It has shown me that I am never truly alone, and it has taught me how to enjoy myself in the midst of pressures such as exams and deadlines.