**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was just about to begin my journey 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 had previously been quite shy and introverted, stepping into the unfamiliar was something I was not used to. Yet, reflecting on the past year, it has been filled with personal development, challenges, and a tremendous amount of enjoyment. So, what insights has this year provided me, and where do I stand now?
### Forming Friendships: The First Major Hurdle
One of the most intimidating elements of commencing university was the task of making friends. If you’re a potential student reading this, it’s probably a concern for you as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to fellow students. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly assert that I’ve established some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced, both within my course and across the campus.
I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations and connecting with individuals who were experiencing similar feelings. The crucial takeaway? Take that initiative at the start of the year. If you’re not quite ready, don’t worry—there will be numerous ice-breaking events and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a diverse spectrum of individuals at university, you’re sure to find those with whom you bond.
### Confronting the Workload and Academic Demands
Another major hurdle was getting accustomed to the workload and the challenging nature of the material. There was a clear increase from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such a rigorous academic setting can sometimes undermine your confidence. You might observe others studying and feel as though you’re falling short.
What supported me through this was the realization that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something isn’t making sense to you, it’s quite possible that others are grappling with it as well. The most important lesson I absorbed during my first year is to seek assistance. Whether it’s from classmates or academic staff, reaching out for help is essential.
### The Significance of Staff Support
On the topic of staff, the faculty in the Materials Science department are remarkable. They genuinely care about your success and recognize that students encounter obstacles. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open with us, addressing our issues and providing assistance. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until the end of the year, and I wish I had done it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I made the decision to become a well-being representative for my year group. This position enabled me to connect more deeply with the staff, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are multiple ways to engage with the faculty, and I strongly encourage you to do so. My key takeaway from this experience is to leverage the available support systems—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was mostly unfounded. With the wealth of support available from both faculty and fellow students, I realized I was never truly alone. More importantly, I learned how to strike a balance between enjoying myself and managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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