Of course! Here’s a rephrased rendition of the article:
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Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my adventure as a first-year student in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial. As someone who has always been introverted and timid, stepping into such a significant new phase was daunting. Looking back now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment. So, what have I discovered, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial—and most daunting—obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re a prospective student perusing this, you might be concerned about the same issue. I recall spending my entire first day in my new accommodation sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can assuredly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both in my course and throughout the university. Imperial has become a second family for me, all of which began with a few straightforward conversations with others who were equally new and uncertain.
The greatest takeaway? Embrace the leap early. Even if you don’t feel prepared, there are numerous ice-breakers and events aimed at facilitating connections. And above all, be your authentic self. With such a varied student community, you’re sure to find those you resonate with.
Another significant challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the course material. There was certainly an increase from A-levels, and the transition from first to second term was even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated, particularly when it appears that everyone else has it all sorted. But here’s what eased my journey: realizing that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re finding it difficult to grasp something, it’s likely that others are too. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or faculty. Learning to seek out support is one of the most crucial skills you can cultivate in your first year.
On the topic of support, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely wish to see you thrive and are acutely aware of the challenges faced by students. They keep lines of communication open year-round and are consistently ready to assist. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support offered until later in the year, and I regret not doing so sooner.
In the early days, I did take a proactive step by becoming a Year Wellbeing Representative. This position allowed me to form connections with staff members, which ended up being tremendously beneficial. There are various ways to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university journey. My recommendation? Make the most of the support systems at your disposal—there’s no such thing as too much help.
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety and uncertainties I experienced were entirely normal—and that they can be surmounted with the right backing. I’ve come to understand that I am never truly alone, and that it’s feasible to balance diligent work with enjoyment, even amidst taxing times like exams and submissions.
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By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorised
Tagged: Courses, Featured, First Year, Imperial College London
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