Of course! Here’s a rewritten version of the article, keeping the meaning and tone but refreshing the language:
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Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overcome with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the journey ahead. I was about to start my first year studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial. Jumping straight into something unfamiliar wasn’t exactly my forte — I had always been fairly introverted and reserved. Reflecting now, I recognize a year filled with growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
One of the initial and most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. Beginning university can feel overwhelming, and if you’re a future student reading this, it may be one of your primary concerns as well. On the day I moved into my accommodation — a few days prior to the start of term — I spent nearly the whole day confined to my room, too anxious to go out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships of my life, both within my course and throughout the university. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial. All it required was a few simple conversations with others who were just as new and apprehensive as I was.
The most important lesson? Make the effort early on. Even if you don’t feel prepared, there will be numerous ice-breakers and activities to help you connect with others. Above all, remain true to yourself. With the rich diversity at Imperial, you are sure to find individuals you resonate with.
Another significant obstacle was adapting to the academic demands and the complexity of the subject matter. There was certainly a noticeable leap from A-levels — and an even sharper increase between the first and second terms. Being thrust into such a rigorous environment can easily impact your self-confidence. You might catch yourself measuring your progress against that of others and feeling as though you’re lagging behind.
What assisted me in navigating this was the acknowledgment that everyone shares similar challenges. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, odds are others are as well. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help — whether from your peers, lecturers, or anyone else. Learning to seek support is likely the most crucial skill you can cultivate in your first year.
Speaking of support, the staff in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely want you to excel and are quite attuned to the hurdles that students encounter. They keep the lines of communication open throughout the year and are always willing to listen. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support offered until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I made one significant move: I became a Year Wellbeing Representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff on a deeper level — something I found immensely valuable. There are numerous chances to foster relationships with the staff, and I strongly encourage you to seize them. One of my paramount lessons from this experience is that you should never hesitate to leverage the support systems available to you. There’s no such thing as too much help.
Overall, this year has taught me that the anxieties and concerns I held — both before and during my university experience — were frequently unwarranted. With the backing of staff and fellow students, everything became manageable. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and it’s entirely feasible to enjoy university life even amid the pressures of 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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