Of course! Here’s a rephrased version of the text while retaining its original meaning and tone:
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Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
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Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my first year of studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial, and stepping into the unknown was not something that my formerly shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Now, in retrospect, I see a year filled 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 obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you might be anxious about the same concern. I recall my first day settling into my accommodation — I spent nearly the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to the present, and I can genuinely say I’ve formed some of the best friendships of my life here, both within my program and throughout the university. Imperial has become a second home to me, and it all began with a few small discussions with individuals who were just as nervous as I was.
What’s the most significant lesson I’ve learned? Take the initiative early. Even if you feel unprepared, there will be numerous ice-breakers and events set up to facilitate connections. And above all, embrace your true self. With such a diverse student community, you’re sure to encounter people you resonate with.
Another substantial adjustment was managing the workload and the complexity of the course material. There was indeed a noticeable leap from A-levels — and honestly, an even larger jump between the first and second terms. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your abilities when you see others diligently studying and seemingly having everything under control. However, one thing that reassured me was the realization that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, it’s likely that others are as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance — from your classmates, your lecturers, or anyone available. Learning to ask for help is probably the most critical skill I acquired during my first year.
On the topic of support, the staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They sincerely wish for your success and are very cognizant of the hurdles students encounter. Over the course of the year, they maintained open channels of communication and were always willing to listen. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until later in the year, and I wish I had done so earlier. At the outset, I took a bold step by becoming a Year Wellbeing Representative, which granted me the opportunity to collaborate closely with staff members — a connection that proved invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My recommendation? Make the most of all the support that is available. You can never receive too much help.
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the nerves and concerns I harbored — both prior to and during university — were frequently unfounded. Thanks to the support from staff and fellow students, I realized that I was never genuinely alone. Most significantly, I learned how to juggle the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines while enjoying myself and fully embracing my time here.
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By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorised
Tagged: Courses, Featured, First Year, Imperial College London
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