**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was brimming with nerves, uncertainty, and doubts regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my first year in [Materials Science and Engineering](https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/materials-science-engineering-meng/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=mra-blogs&utm_content=link) at Imperial College London. As a person who has always been somewhat shy and introverted, embarking on this new journey felt quite daunting. Now, in retrospect, I recognize a year full of personal development, challenges, and numerous pleasurable experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
### Conquering the Fear of Socializing
A significant obstacle I encountered early on was the process of making friends. If you happen to be a prospective student, this may be one of your primary worries as well. On my inaugural day at my student accommodation, just prior to the term kicking off, I spent an entire day isolated in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. However, as I reflect on my journey today, I can assert that I have formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. Imperial has truly become a second home, and all it required was stepping beyond my comfort zone and initiating casual conversations with others who shared similar experiences.
What was the most pivotal lesson I learned? Embrace that leap at the beginning of the year. If you find yourself feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet others. Above all, be authentic. With such a diverse student population, you are destined to discover individuals who share your passions and values.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was evident, and the shift from the first to the second term was even more demanding. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or question your capabilities when witnessing others studying rigorously. Nevertheless, one aspect that aided me was the realization that everyone is navigating similar struggles. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are too.
My top piece of advice? Don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This is a vital skill to cultivate during your first year. Whether you’re connecting with classmates or asking for help from faculty, never shy away from raising questions.
### The Significance of Interacting with Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the teaching team in the Materials department is exceedingly supportive. They genuinely care about students’ success and are consistently receptive to feedback and conversations regarding academic hurdles. Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, I now wish I had utilized it earlier.
At the outset of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to forge connections with faculty members, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with teaching staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My key takeaway? Utilize the resources available to you—you can never receive too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on the past year, I have learned that the nerves and worries I experienced prior to starting university were largely unnecessary. A wealth of support exists, both from faculty and fellow students, to aid in navigating the challenges of academic life. Most importantly, I’ve discovered that I am never alone and that it’s possible to relish the experience even in the midst of exam pressures and deadlines.
If you are gearing up to embark on your university adventure, embrace the challenges, seek support when necessary, and seize every opportunity. This is a journey of development, and you will emerge stronger on the other side.