**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**

*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*

In October 2022, ten months ago, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to start my adventure as a first-year student 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 someone who has always been quite timid and introverted, stepping into the unfamiliar was not something I was accustomed to. However, reflecting back now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyable moments! So, what insights did I gain, and what is my current situation?

### Forming Friendships: A Challenging Yet Fulfilling Endeavor

One of the earliest and most daunting obstacles I encountered was building friendships. If you’re a future student reading this, it’s likely one of your biggest concerns as well. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the best friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people who were equally apprehensive.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Take that chance early in the year. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking events and chances to engage with peers. And most crucially, be authentic. With such a variety of individuals in the program and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with your interests and values.

### Confronting the Academic Load

Another challenge I had to navigate was the heightened workload and complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase compared to A-levels, and an even steeper climb between the first and second terms. Being thrust into this new academic setting can sometimes shake your self-esteem, especially when you observe others studying and feel like you’re lagging behind. But here’s the reality: everyone is facing similar struggles. If you’re grappling with a topic, I can nearly guarantee that others are as well. So, don’t hold back from seeking help. This is perhaps the most vital lesson I gained during my first year—reach out to your classmates and the faculty when you require support.

### Assistance from the Faculty

Speaking of the faculty, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely wish to see you thrive and recognize the difficulties students encounter. Throughout the year, they kept us informed about any challenges we were facing. I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until the latter part of the year, and I regret not doing so earlier.

At the beginning of the year, I took a step forward by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This responsibility enabled me to connect with the staff more effectively, which has been immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and I strongly encourage doing so. My key takeaway from this journey is to capitalize on the support that is at your disposal. You can never have too much assistance!

### Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, this year has demonstrated to me that the apprehension I experienced—both prior to and during university—was largely unnecessary. With the abundance of support accessible from both educators and fellow students, I’ve learned that I am never truly alone. Most importantly, I’ve discovered how to savor my experiences even in the midst of the stresses of exams and deadlines.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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