Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in nerves, uncertainty, and a considerable amount of fear as I readied myself to embark on my first year studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. As someone who had consistently been more reserved and introverted, plunging into a completely new environment felt daunting. However, now, reflecting on my first academic year, I recognize a journey of personal development, new challenges, and memorable experiences. So, what have I discovered—and what’s my current state?
One of the most significant and intimidating challenges I encountered early on was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this might be something that concerns you as well. I recall spending my initial day in student accommodation retreating to my room, too anxious to emerge and introduce myself. But fast forward to now, and I can sincerely say I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced—people who have become like a second family. What shifted? I took gradual steps: initiating conversations, participating in events, and simply being myself. That’s one of the most crucial lessons I’ve picked up—authenticity makes a significant difference. With such a multifaceted community at Imperial, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and values. And if you’re not prepared to jump in right away, that’s perfectly fine too. There are numerous ice-breakers and social gatherings designed to help ease you into university life.
Another significant transition was the academic workload. The shift from A-levels to university-level material was substantial—and the transition from the first to the second term was even more intense. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when you observe others seemingly handling it effortlessly. But here’s the reality: everyone is navigating this journey, just like you. If you’re having trouble grasping something, chances are others are struggling too. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance. That’s likely the most invaluable skill I honed this year—reaching out to peers, tutors, and lecturers when I required support.
Speaking of support, I cannot commend the Materials department staff enough. They genuinely invest in our success and well-being. Throughout the year, they kept open channels of communication and were always ready to address student concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until later in the year, and I wish I had seized that opportunity earlier. One of the best choices I made was to become a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to collaborate closely with staff and gain a deeper understanding of the resources accessible to students. Whether it’s academic assistance or emotional support, there’s always someone eager to help—you just need to reach out.
All in all, this first year has shown me that the anxiety and uncertainties I faced were natural, though not impossible to overcome. With the right support and mindset, I could grow, locate my community, and even relish the journey—despite the pressures of exams and deadlines. Most importantly, I’ve learned that I’m never solitary in this experience, and neither are you.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorised
Tagged: Courses, Featured, First Year, Imperial College London