**Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I found myself engulfed in anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding the path ahead. I was on the cusp of starting my first year as a 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 a person who has consistently been introverted and reserved, immersing myself in this challenging environment was uncharted territory for me. Now, reflecting back, I recognize that this academic year has fostered significant personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what precisely has this year imparted on me, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was the challenge of making friends. If you’re an incoming student perusing this, it’s probably a concern for you as well. On my initial day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes officially commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to emerge and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve developed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever made here at Imperial, particularly within my program. I’ve discovered a second family, and all it required was a bit of light conversation with others who were feeling just as apprehensive.
So, what was my takeaway? I realized that making that first move at the onset of the year is essential. Even if you’re feeling unprepared, there will be numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to interact with others. Most importantly, I discovered that the best thing you can do is to be yourself. With such a broad spectrum of individuals at university, you’re certain to find others who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Addressing the Academic Load
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a clear escalation from A-levels, and an even steeper rise between the first and second terms. Being thrust into such a setting can sometimes undermine your self-confidence, particularly when you witness others studying and feel like you’re lagging. But the reality is: everyone is navigating the same waters. If you’re struggling with a concept, it’s likely that many others are too. The crucial lesson here is to reach out for assistance. This may be the single most vital piece of wisdom I gained in my first year—never hesitate to seek help, whether from classmates or faculty.
### The Value of Faculty Support
Regarding faculty, the teaching staff in the Materials Science department is exceptional. They genuinely desire for us to thrive and fully understand the hurdles students face. Throughout the year, they maintained steady communication with us, offering compassion and support. I didn’t fully leverage the available pastoral resources until the end of the year, and I regret not doing so earlier.
At the start of the year, I took a brave step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty on a deeper level, which proved to be exceedingly valuable. There are numerous ways to cultivate relationships with the staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself. My key takeaway is to maximize the support provided—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, this year has enlightened me to the fact that the apprehension I experienced, both prior to and during university, was frequently misplaced. With the abundant support from faculty and fellow students, I learned that I was never truly isolated. More crucially, I uncovered how to balance having fun with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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