**Insights from My First Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting 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. For someone who had always been timid and introverted, plunging into this new phase was intimidating. Now, reflecting back, I see a year characterized by personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. So, what did I actually take away from this experience, and what is my current position?
### Building Connections: The Initial Major Hurdle
One of the most stressful tasks I encountered was forming friendships. If you happen to be a prospective student reading this, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my inaugural day in student housing, just before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day confined in my room, too scared to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve developed some of the best friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others who were experiencing similar feelings.
So, what have I learned? I’ve realized that taking that first step is always worthwhile. If you’re not ready or comfortable immediately, there’s no need to fret! There are countless ice-breaker events and chances to engage with others. Most crucially, I learned that authenticity is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and the university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
### Confronting the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was getting accustomed to the workload and the intensity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more significant. It’s easy to feel daunted in such a setting, especially when you observe others studying and start to question your own skills.
What aided me during this time was reminding myself that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something seems unclear, it’s likely that others are just as perplexed. The most vital lesson I picked up in my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether from classmates or faculty, asking for help is essential.
### Assistance from Faculty
This leads me to my next point: the faculty in the Materials department are phenomenal. They genuinely care about your success and recognize the difficulties students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained consistent communication about any issues we faced. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had accessed it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to forge connections with the faculty, proving to be incredibly valuable. There are numerous opportunities to bond with staff members, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your well-being. My key takeaway from this experience is to fully utilize the support available to you. You can never receive too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced—both before and during my university journey—was mostly unfounded. With the extensive support options provided by both faculty and fellow students, those feelings can be significantly reduced. I’ve come to understand that I’m never truly isolated, and I’ve learned how to balance enjoyment with the inevitable 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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