Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was brimming with anxiety, uncertainty, and a significant amount of apprehension. I was on the verge of commencing my journey as a first-year student in the Materials Science and Engineering MEng program at Imperial College London. As someone who has always been somewhat introverted and reserved, plunging into university life felt quite daunting. However, reflecting on the past year now, I recognize it has been a time of development, obstacles, and memorable experiences. So, what insights have I gained—and what is my current situation?
One of the foremost hurdles I encountered early in the process was forming friendships. It’s a concern many incoming students have, and I’m no different. On the day I settled into my accommodation—just a few days ahead of the term commencing—I spent the entirety of the day in my room, too daunted to emerge and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can assertively say I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, both within my course and outside it. What facilitated this? Simply initiating small dialogues with others who were just as new and apprehensive as I was. My key takeaway? Make that jump early on. Even if you feel unprepared, there are ample icebreakers and events tailored to help you connect with fellow students. Most importantly—be yourself. With such a varied student population, you’re bound to encounter individuals you resonate with.
Another significant adaptation was the academic demands. The transition from A-levels was significant, and the leap from the first to the second term was even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or to measure yourself against peers who appear to be managing better. But here’s the insight that carried me through: remembering that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you’re finding it hard to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are as well. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance—whether it’s from fellow students or the faculty. Learning to reach out is one of the most crucial abilities you can develop during your first year.
Speaking of faculty, the support from the Materials department has been exceptional. The lecturers and tutors genuinely care about our success and understand the obstacles students encounter. They are approachable, empathetic, and always receptive to feedback. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, and I wish I had done so earlier. One decisive step I took early on was becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to cultivate relationships with staff members—something I found immensely gratifying. There are numerous ways to connect with your lecturers and tutors, and nurturing these connections can significantly enrich your university experience. My advice? Leverage the available support—you can never have too much.
In summary, this year has taught me that the anxiety and uncertainties I experienced were natural, yet manageable. With the right support and mentality, those feelings can be alleviated. I’ve come to realize that I’m never genuinely alone, and it’s entirely possible to relish university life—even amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorised
Tagged: Courses, Featured, First Year, Imperial College London