Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I experienced a whirlwind of nerves, uncertainty, and a fair amount of fear while gearing up to embark on my inaugural year in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. As someone who had generally been more on the reserved side, jumping into university life felt like quite the challenge. Yet, reflecting on the past year, I recognize a journey filled with personal development, hurdles, and unforgettable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered early on was the quest to forge friendships. If you’re a prospective student perusing this, you may resonate with that feeling. I recall spending the entirety of my first day confined to my room, far too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. But here I am today, grateful to say I’ve formed some of the most enduring friendships I could have hoped for—friends who have become like family. What changed? Just taking it one step at a time. A little small talk with fellow newcomers, equally unsure themselves, blossomed into lasting bonds. My suggestion: take that initial leap. Even if you’re not quite prepared, there are ample ice-breakers and events specifically created to help you engage with others. Most crucially, remain true to yourself. With such a varied student community, you’re likely to discover others who resonate with your interests and principles.
Another significant challenge was acclimating to the academic demands. The transition from A-levels to university life was considerable, and the shift from the first to the second term was even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel as though you’re lagging behind, particularly when it appears that everyone else has everything under control. What aided me was the realization that I wasn’t alone in this struggle. It’s likely that if you find a concept challenging, others are experiencing the same issue. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or faculty. Learning to reach out for help remains one of the most valuable skills I cultivated in my first year.
On the topic of support, the staff within the Materials department have been outstanding. They truly care about our success and well-being and are consistently willing to discuss the obstacles we encounter. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until later in the year, and I regret not doing so sooner. Early on, I took a bold step and became a year well-being representative, which allowed me to build rapport with faculty members. That experience proved to be immensely fulfilling and helped me feel more integrated within the department. There are countless opportunities to connect with your lecturers and tutors, and nurturing those relationships can significantly enhance your university experience. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s to fully embrace the support available—you can never have too much of it.
All in all, this year has taught me that the anxiety I experienced prior to starting university was not only common but often unfounded. With the encouragement of my peers and staff, those worries became manageable. I’ve understood that I’m never truly alone and that it’s indeed possible to find enjoyment in university life—even amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorised
Tagged: Courses, Featured, First Year, Imperial College London