**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was brimming with apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of beginning 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. Plunging into the unknown wasn’t something my formerly introverted self was familiar with. Now, in retrospect, I can see a year filled with self-discovery, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this journey, and what’s my current state?
One of the most intimidating hurdles I encountered at the beginning was forming friendships. If you’re a future student perusing this, chances are it’s one of your primary concerns as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day trapped in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly declare that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced here at Imperial. I’ve discovered a second family, and it all began with casual conversations with others who were just as uncertain.
So, what did I take away from this? I found that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breakers and events crafted to help you connect with your peers. Most importantly, I realized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who align with your personality.
Another notable challenge was adapting to the increased workload and the heightened difficulty of the material. There was certainly a significant transition from A-levels, and an even more substantial leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can disrupt your self-assurance, particularly when you observe others studying and fear you’re lagging behind. However, the truth is: everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something doesn’t make sense to you, it’s likely others are confused too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This was arguably the most crucial lesson I learned during my first year—never shy away from seeking help from fellow students and faculty!
Speaking of faculty, the instructors in the Materials department are fantastic. They genuinely desire your success and are aware of the difficulties students endure. They maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year, responding to our worries and providing support. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. At the start of the year, I took a step forward by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to build rapport with the staff, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself. My primary conclusion from this experience is to fully utilize the support available—you can never receive too much help!
In summary, this year has enlightened me to the fact that the anxiety I experienced prior to and during university was mainly unwarranted. With the extensive support provided by both staff and fellow students, those feelings of apprehension can be eased. I’ve come to understand that I’m never truly by myself, and I’ve learned how to balance my enjoyment with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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