Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was brimming with anxiety, doubt, and a decent amount of apprehension. I was on the verge of commencing my adventure as a first-year student in the Materials Science and Engineering MEng program at Imperial College London. Being a naturally shy and reserved person, plunging into such a fresh and alien environment felt daunting. Now, as I reflect on the academic year, I can assert that it has been a time of tremendous personal development, obstacles, and memorable experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the most significant and daunting challenges I encountered at the outset was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you might be experiencing similar nerves. I certainly was. On the day I settled into my accommodations—just days before the term commenced—I was so anxious that I remained in my room the entire day, too frightened to venture out and meet anyone. Fast forward to now, and I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced. These connections have become akin to a second family for me here at Imperial. What was the key? Simply initiating small conversations with others who were equally new and uncertain.
The essential lesson? Take that initial step. Even if you feel unprepared, there are numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities designed to encourage connections with others. And above all, just be yourself. With such a varied student body, you are sure to find individuals who share your interests and values.
Another significant obstacle was adapting to the academic demands and the intricacies of the course material. The shift from A-levels was considerable, and the leap from the first to the second term was even more pronounced. It’s simple to feel overwhelmed and doubt your abilities when you see others appearing to manage better. But here’s what supported me: keeping in mind that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you’re finding it tough to understand a concept, it’s likely that others are struggling too. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or teaching staff. Learning to seek help is one of the most important skills you can cultivate in your first year.
Talking about support, I can’t praise the staff in the Materials department enough. They truly care about students’ achievements and well-being. They are aware of the hurdles we encounter and maintain open communication throughout the year. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support services until later on, I wish I had reached out earlier. Initially, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This role allowed me to build connections with staff, proving to be immensely valuable. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university journey. The takeaway here? Make the most of the available support—you can never have too much of it.
In summary, this year has shown me that the fears and worries I held—both before and during university—were often baseless and manageable with proper support. I’ve realized that I’m never genuinely alone, and it is indeed possible to relish university life even amidst the stresses of exams and deadlines.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorised
Tagged: Courses, Featured, First Year, Imperial College London