Certainly! Here’s a reworded 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 overcome with anxiety, fear, and doubt regarding the future. I was about to start my journey as a first-year student in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. Immersing myself in something entirely new was out of character for my previously timid and reserved nature. Reflecting now, I can see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and remarkable experiences. So, what have I learned this past year, and where do I stand now?
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered early on was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student, you might be concerned about this too. On the day I arrived at my accommodation—just a few days before the term officially commenced—I spent the whole day locked away in my room, too anxious to go out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life, both within my program and throughout the university. Imperial has genuinely become a second family to me. And it all initiated with a few straightforward conversations with others who were just as anxious as I was.
The essential takeaway? Make that first move. Even if you don’t feel prepared, don’t fret—plenty of ice-breaking events and chances to meet others await. And above all, be authentic. With such a diverse student population, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
Another significant transition was managing the academic workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a discernible leap from A-levels, with an even larger one between the first and second terms. Being thrust into such a challenging environment can easily undermine your confidence. It’s simple to look around and feel like you’re lagging behind. But one thing that truly assisted me was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar feelings. If you’re having difficulty with something, others likely are too. Don’t hesitate to seek help—whether from your classmates or from the instructors. Learning to ask for assistance is probably the most vital skill I acquired during my first year.
On the topic of support, the staff within the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely want you to succeed and understand the hurdles students encounter. They maintain open lines of communication throughout the year and are always willing to listen. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until later in the year, and I regret not doing so sooner. Early on, I took a brave step by becoming a Year Wellbeing Representative, which allowed me to form connections with staff members—a truly enriching experience. There are various ways to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly impact your experience. My suggestion? Take full advantage of the support that is available—you can never receive too much assistance.
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehensions and worries associated with university life are often unfounded and can be alleviated by the ample support available. I’ve learned that I’m never genuinely alone, and that it’s feasible to enjoy university life even while managing 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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