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Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed by nerves, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was about to embark on my first year studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. Plunging into a completely new setting wasn’t an experience my previously shy and introverted self was accustomed to. Now, reflecting on the past year, it was a journey filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what have I gained from this experience, and what is my current situation?
One of the initial — and most daunting — challenges I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re a future student, this may be one of your main concerns as well. On the day I arrived at my accommodation, just a few days prior to the start of term, I felt so overwhelmed that I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I’m pleased to report that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had — not just in my course, but throughout the university. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial. It all began with brief interactions with others who felt as nervous as I did.
What’s the key takeaway? Make the effort early on. Even if you don’t believe you’re ready, there will be numerous ice-breakers and events aimed at helping you connect with others. And most importantly, be yourself. With such a varied student body, you’re sure to find those you resonate with.
Another significant challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the increased complexity of the material. There’s a clear leap from A-levels to university, and an even greater transition from the first to the second term. It’s easy to feel inundated and question your capabilities when you observe others studying around you. However, one thing that supported me was remembering that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re finding something hard to grasp, it’s likely others are as well. So don’t hesitate to seek assistance — from your peers, your tutors, or anyone who can help. Learning to ask for help is perhaps one of the most crucial skills to cultivate in your first year.
Speaking of support, the faculty in the Materials department are exceptional. They truly want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges faced by students. Throughout the year, they maintained consistent communication with us and provided unwavering support. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support services until later in the year — something I wish I had considered earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a step forward and became a Wellbeing Representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to forge connections with staff members, which proved to be exceedingly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My suggestion? Make the most of the assistance and support available — you can never have too much.
All in all, this year has taught me that the anxieties and fears I felt — both prior to and during university — were often unwarranted. With the backing of staff and fellow students, those emotions became manageable. I’ve discovered that I’m never truly alone, and that it is feasible to strike a balance between diligent work and enjoyment, even in stressful periods such as 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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