Of course! Here’s a rephrased version of the article:
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Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
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About ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was about to start my first year in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial, and tackling such a significant change was outside the comfort zone of my previously quiet and reserved self. Now, reflecting on the year, I recognize it as one filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the earliest—and most daunting—obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. Beginning university can be quite intimidating, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it may be one of your primary concerns as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say I’ve forged some of the deepest friendships of my life—both within my program and throughout the university. Imperial has truly become a second family to me. All it took was a few moments of light conversation with individuals who were equally as apprehensive as I was.
What did I learn? Take that leap early. Even if you don’t feel prepared, there will be numerous ice-breakers and gatherings to assist you in meeting new people. And keep this in mind: the best version of yourself is simply being you. With such a diverse student community, you’re sure to find others you resonate with.
Another major challenge was acclimating to the workload and the complexity of the course material. There was certainly a significant transition from A-levels—and an even steeper one from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such a demanding atmosphere can disrupt your confidence. You may glance around and think everyone else has everything sorted out. But believe me: you’re not alone. If you find yourself struggling with a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The essential takeaway is to seek assistance. Learning to reach out for help—be it from fellow students or faculty—is one of the most vital skills to cultivate in your first year.
Regarding faculty, the support from the Materials department has been exceptional. They genuinely care about student success and are quite cognizant of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept channels of communication open and provided ample support. While I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support services until later in the year, I wish I had done so earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step and became a Year Well-being Representative, which allowed me to establish connections with staff members—a truly enriching experience. There are numerous opportunities to get to know the faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your experience. My recommendation? Take full advantage of the assistance and support accessible—you can never have too much.
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced—both prior to and during university—was often unwarranted. With the outstanding support from faculty and fellow students, I found that I was never genuinely alone. Most crucially, I learned how to navigate the inevitable stress of exams and deadlines while still enjoying my university experience.
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By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorised
Tagged: Courses, Featured, First Year, Imperial College London
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