Of course! Here’s a rewritten version of the article:
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Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was preparing to begin my first year in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial, and I wasn’t accustomed to venturing into the unknown, given my previously shy and reserved nature. Now, as I reflect on the year, I recognize it has been filled with personal growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the earliest and most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. Entering university can feel overwhelming, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be among your greatest concerns as well. On the day I settled into my accommodation—a few days prior to the official start of term—I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever known, both within my program and throughout the university. Imperial has evolved into a second family for me, and all it took was a bit of casual conversation with others who were equally apprehensive.
What did I learn? Taking that initial leap is essential. Even if you feel unprepared, there will be numerous opportunities for ice-breakers and social events to facilitate connections with others. Most importantly: be yourself. With such a diverse student population, you are sure to encounter individuals who share your interests and values.
Another significant challenge was adapting to the rigorous workload and the heightened difficulty of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was substantial—and the shift from the first to the second term felt even more significant. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or question your capabilities when you notice others studying around you. However, one aspect that helped me was recalling that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re having trouble grasping a concept, it’s likely that your peers are too. My best piece of advice? Don’t hesitate to seek assistance—from your classmates, your lecturers, and the support staff. Learning to seek help early in your first year is one of the most important skills you can cultivate.
Regarding support, the faculty in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and are quite aware of the hurdles students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, regularly checking in on our well-being. I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until later in the year—something I wish I had embraced sooner. Early on, I took a bold step by becoming a Year Wellbeing Representative, which allowed me to connect more closely with the faculty—a greatly valuable experience. There are many avenues to build rapport with the staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university journey. My advice: maximize the support available to you. You can never receive too much help.
In summary, this year has shown me that the nerves and anxieties I experienced—both before and during my time at university—were often baseless. With the encouragement of friends, faculty, and the broader Imperial community, I was never truly alone. I also learned how to manage the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines while ensuring I made time for enjoyment.
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By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorised
Tagged: Courses, Featured, First Year, Imperial College London
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