Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, uncertainty, and quite a bit of fear. I was on the brink of starting my first year in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London, and the notion of jumping into university life was intimidating—particularly for someone like me, who has always been on the shy and reserved end of the spectrum. Now, reflecting on my inaugural academic year, I see a journey rich with personal development, hurdles, and memorable experiences. So, what have I absorbed, and what is my current standing?
One of the most significant—and frightful—obstacles I encountered early was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this might be a concern for you as well. I recall my first day in student housing, just prior to the start of term. I was so daunted by the prospect of introducing myself to others that I spent the whole day in my room. Fast forward to today, and I can genuinely state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever known—both within my program and throughout the university. It turns out that all it required was a little casual conversation with individuals who were just as anxious as I was. The most important takeaway here? Make that effort early on. Even if you don’t feel prepared, there are numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. And above all, be authentic. With such a varied student community, you’re sure to find individuals you resonate with.
Another significant transition was the academic workload and complexity. The shift from A-levels to university was substantial—and the transition from the first to the second term was even more pronounced. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or to start assessing yourself against others. I certainly experienced moments of self-doubt regarding my abilities. What ultimately helped me was realizing that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you’re having difficulties grasping a concept, others likely are too. So don’t hesitate to seek assistance—whether that comes from classmates or faculty. Learning to request help is arguably the most crucial skill I gained in my first year.
Regarding faculty support, the assistance from the Materials department has been remarkable. The lecturers and staff truly care about our achievement and well-being. They recognize the challenges students encounter and are always receptive to feedback. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, I regret not reaching out sooner. One of the best choices I made was to become a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to form connections with staff members and gain a deeper understanding of the support systems available. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and doing so can greatly enhance your university journey. My recommendation? Make use of the resources at your disposal—you can never have too much support.
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt—before and during university—was normal, yet often unwarranted. With the backing of friends, faculty, and the broader university community, I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to balance diligence with enjoyment, even during stressful periods like exams and deadlines.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorised
Tagged: Courses, Featured, First Year, Imperial College London