Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, uncertainty, and a fair bit of fear. I was about to embark on my first year studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. Having always been relatively shy and reserved, plunging into university life was completely out of my comfort zone. Looking back now, I can appreciate how much I’ve evolved over the last academic year—through obstacles, personal growth, and countless memorable experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered early on was forging friendships. If you’re a future student, this might be a concern for you as well. I recall spending my initial full day in student accommodation tucked away in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. But fast forward to now, and I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced—both within my course and throughout the university. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with a few simple conversations with others who were just as new and apprehensive as I was.
What did I take away from this? That taking the initial step is always worthwhile. Even if you don’t feel prepared, there are numerous ice-breakers and social events created to assist you in meeting others. And most crucially: be yourself. With such a varied student population, you’re sure to encounter people you resonate with.
Another significant adjustment was the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear leap from A-levels, and the transition from the first to the second term was even more intense. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or to compare yourself to others who appear to be managing it more effectively. But what helped me was recalling that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re finding it challenging to grasp something, chances are others are too. Don’t hesitate to seek help—whether from your classmates or the teaching staff. In fact, learning to ask for assistance might be the most essential skill you cultivate in your first year.
Speaking of staff, the support from the Materials department has been remarkable. The lecturers and support personnel genuinely want students to thrive, and they are always receptive to feedback and communication. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, and I wish I had done so earlier. In the beginning, I took a bold step and became a year well-being representative, which allowed me to establish connections with staff members. That relationship turned out to be invaluable. There are various ways to get acquainted with your lecturers and tutors, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My suggestion? Take full advantage of the available support—you can never have too much.
Overall, this year has shown me that the anxiety I harbored before starting university, and even during it, was frequently baseless. With the appropriate support systems established—from both staff and fellow students—those concerns became manageable. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to balance diligence with enjoyment, even throughout exam periods.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorised
Tagged: Courses, Featured, First Year, Imperial College London