Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious, scared, and uncertain about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Reflecting on this past year, I see a period filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what have I learned this year, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was making friends. This is certainly one of the more daunting aspects of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as a potential student, it might be one of your top concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodations, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day hiding in my room because I felt too intimidated to go out and introduce myself to others. However, sitting here today, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was initiating casual conversations with individuals in similar situations. So, what can I share from this experience? I found that it’s always beneficial to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel entirely prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaking opportunities and events designed to help you connect with others. I also realized that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. There are so many diverse individuals throughout the course and the university; you’re sure to encounter people like you.
Another challenge I needed to conquer was the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a significant leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes be tough for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. A few aspects helped me cope with that sensation, one being the awareness that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that there are at least a few others who also are not grasping it. Therefore, seek assistance. This may be the single most vital lesson to embrace during your first year. Ask for help from both your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The staff in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and acknowledge that students face difficulties. They show empathy towards students and keep in constant touch with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. I mentioned earlier about taking leaps – I did take 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 ways to become acquainted with the faculty, and it genuinely is one of the best moves you can make for yourself! My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to seize the opportunities for assistance that are available to you. You can never have too much help!
Generally speaking, this year has taught me that feelings of nervousness, both leading up to and during university, are almost always unwarranted and can be alleviated with the wide array of support systems provided by faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never truly alone, and it has shown me how to find enjoyment amidst sources of stress such as exams and deadlines.