Of course! Here’s a revised version of the article:
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Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
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Reflecting back on October 2022, I recall feeling anxious, fearful, and engulfed in uncertainty regarding the future. I was about to embark on my first year studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial, and venturing into the unfamiliar was not something my typically shy and introverted self was accustomed to. Now, as I think about the previous academic year, I recognize a journey brimming with growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re a prospective student, this might be something you’re anxious about as well. To be honest — on the day I moved into my accommodation, I spent the entirety of that day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to go out and meet new people. Fast forward to the present, and I can assertively say I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships of my life here, both within my program and throughout the university. It turns out, all it required was a bit of casual conversation with individuals who were equally anxious as I was.
What’s the most significant takeaway? Make the effort early on. Even if you don’t feel prepared, there will be numerous ice-breakers and events designed to help you connect with others. And most crucially, just be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to find people you resonate with.
Another significant obstacle was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the course material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels — and to be honest, an even larger jump between the first and second terms. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your abilities, especially when you observe others diligently studying and appearing to have everything figured out. However, one thing that aided me was remembering that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are too. So don’t hesitate to seek assistance — from your classmates, your lecturers, or anyone. Learning to ask for help is one of the most essential skills you can cultivate in your first year.
On the subject of support, the staff in the Materials department are amazing. They genuinely want you to succeed and are well aware of the difficulties students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication and were always willing to listen. I didn’t really take advantage of the pastoral support available until later in the year — something I wish I had done much earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a Year Wellbeing Representative. This role enabled me to build rapport with the staff, which proved to be tremendously beneficial. There are countless ways to foster relationships with your lecturers and tutors, and doing so can significantly impact your experience. My recommendation? Make the most of the support offered — there’s always room for more help.
Overall, this year has shown me that the anxieties and fears I held — both prior to and during my university journey — were often unwarranted. With the backing of staff and fellow students, those feelings became manageable. I’ve discovered that I’m never truly alone, and that it’s entirely possible to balance diligent work with enjoyment, even amid stressful periods like exams and deadlines.
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By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorised
Tagged: Courses, Featured, First Year, Imperial College London
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