Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Back in October 2022, ten months ago, I felt anxious and unsure about what the future held as I was about to commence my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was a significant departure from my usual reserved nature. Looking back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights has this year provided me, and where do I stand now?
One of the first and most intimidating obstacles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting components of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be a major concern for you. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day in my room, feeling too daunted to step out and meet people. Now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships here at university and within this program. I have discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others in similar predicaments. What have I learned? Taking a chance at the beginning of the year is advantageous. If you’re not quite ready or at ease, don’t stress! There will be numerous ice-breaker events to assist you in connecting with others. Also, be authentic. With such a diverse group of people in the course and university, you’re sure to come across like-minded individuals.
Another hurdle was the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was a clear transition from A-levels, and even more significantly from the first term to the second. Being in such a setting can influence your confidence; you might feel underqualified compared to your peers. What aided me was the reminder that everyone shares this experience. If you find something confusing, others probably do as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This could be the most vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to classmates and faculty!
The faculty in Materials is remarkable. They genuinely wish for your success and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They connect with us consistently throughout the year. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had done so earlier. I previously mentioned taking risks – I took one by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to build relationships with the faculty, which is priceless. There are countless avenues to engage with the staff, and it’s among the best decisions you can make for your well-being! My primary takeaway is to seize the assistance available. You can never receive too much!
This year has broadly illustrated that feelings of anxiety regarding university are typically ungrounded and can be alleviated with the supportive resources provided by the faculty and fellow students. It has demonstrated to me that I’m never solitary and has taught me how to find joy amid pressures such as exams and deadlines.