Of course! Below is a rephrased version of the text:
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Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty as I geared up to embark on my first year of studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. Jumping straight into such a significant life change was not something my previously shy and reserved self was accustomed to. Now, reflecting on the past year, I see it filled with growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyable moments. But what have I learned, and where do I stand now?
One of the initial—and most daunting—obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. Beginning university can be intimidating, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it’s likely something you’re already concerned about. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life here—friends who have become like a second family to me. It only took a few moments of light conversation with others who were just as new and uncertain as I was.
What’s the most important lesson? Take that leap early. Even if you feel unprepared, there are numerous ice-breakers and events designed to help you meet others. Most crucially, be yourself. With such a diverse community at Imperial, you’re bound to encounter people you resonate with.
Another significant challenge was adapting to the academic demands and the complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was profound, and the leap from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated or to question your abilities when you see others studying rigorously. However, one thing that reassured me was remembering that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you’re finding something difficult to grasp, it’s likely that others are as well. Don’t hesitate to seek help—whether from your peers or the staff. Learning to reach out for assistance is one of the most vital skills you can develop in your first year.
On the topic of support, the staff within the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely want students to thrive and are quite understanding of the hurdles we face. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us regarding any concerns we had. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until later in the year, I wish I had done so earlier.
At the start of the year, I took the initiative and became a Wellbeing Representative for my year group. This position allowed me to establish connections with staff members, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My recommendation? Fully take advantage of the support systems in place—you can never receive too much help.
In summary, this year has shown me that the nerves and fears I harbored before starting university were often unfounded. With the backing of staff and fellow students, those emotions became manageable. I’ve discovered that I’m never truly alone, and that balancing hard work with enjoyment is possible—even during stressful times like 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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