Certainly! 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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Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension and uncertainty regarding my future. I was about to embark on my first year in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London — an experience that was completely outside my usual shy and reserved nature. Reflecting on the past year, I realize it has been filled with personal development, challenges, and unforgettable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial and most daunting obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. Entering university can be intimidating, and if you’re an incoming student perusing this, it might be one of your primary concerns as well. I vividly recall my first day settling into my accommodation — I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too nervous to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the strongest friendships of my life, both in my program and throughout the university. Imperial has genuinely turned into a second family for me. What contributed to this? Simply stepping out of my comfort zone with casual conversation and engaging with others who shared my apprehensions. My key takeaway: take that initial step. Even if you’re not entirely comfortable, there are numerous ice-breaking activities and events designed to facilitate connections. And above all, just be yourself — with such a diverse student community, you are bound to find your group.
Another significant challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the subjects. The transition from A-levels to university was considerable — and the shift from the first to the second term was even more pronounced. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, particularly when witnessing others studying and questioning if you’re lagging behind. However, one aspect that kept me anchored was recognizing that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re finding it hard to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are experiencing the same struggle. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance — from classmates, lecturers, or tutors. Learning to seek help is arguably the most crucial skill I acquired during my first year.
In terms of support, I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful the staff in the Materials department are. They genuinely care about students’ success and are highly understanding of the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open communication and provided ample support. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral care resources available until later in the year — something I wish I had embraced earlier. Initially, I took a bold step by becoming a Year Wellbeing Representative, which allowed me to cultivate strong connections with faculty members. Getting to know the staff is one of the best strategies you can employ at university — they are there to assist you, and having additional support is invaluable.
Ultimately, this year has shown me that the anxieties I experienced — both prior to and during university — were frequently unfounded. With the extensive support provided by staff and fellow students, I realized I was never truly alone. Most importantly, I learned how to navigate the unavoidable stresses of exams and deadlines while simultaneously having fun and maximizing 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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