Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, frightened, and uncertain about the future. I was on the verge of beginning my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously shy and introverted self was used to. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons have I learned this year, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was making friends. This is undoubtedly one of the more nerve-wracking elements of starting university, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it might be one of your principal worries. On my first day after moving into my accommodation, a few days before the semester began, I spent the whole day in my room because I was too intimidated to step out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, here at this university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was engaging in small talk with others in similar situations. So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that it’s always beneficial to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or comfortable, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events to facilitate connections. I also discovered that if there’s one essential thing to be, it’s yourself. There are so many diverse individuals across the course and university; you’re sure to find people who resonate with you.
Another challenge I needed to navigate was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can be tough on your confidence; you might witness others studying and feel inadequate. A few strategies helped me cope with that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If something is unclear, I can almost guarantee there are others who also don’t understand. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might just be the most crucial lesson in your first year. Seek help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are exceptional. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face challenges. They show understanding and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year was coming to a close, but I wish I had done so earlier. I talked about taking leaps before – I did take one at the year’s start by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff members, which is extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with the faculty, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things you can do for your journey! My primary takeaway from this aspect of university is to harness the support available to you. You can never have too much!
Overall, this year has shown me that anxious feelings, both in the lead-up to and throughout university, are typically unjustified and can be eased by the wide range of support options provided by staff and fellow students. It’s taught me that I’m never alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment alongside stressors like exams and deadlines.