**Reflecting on My Initial 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 anxiety, fear, and doubts about what lay ahead. I was about to begin 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 had always been introverted and quiet, plunging into this fresh chapter of my life felt intimidating. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I can recognize how much I’ve evolved, the hurdles I’ve surmounted, and the enjoyable moments I’ve experienced along the way. But what precisely did this year reveal to me, and what is my current standing?
### Making Connections: A Challenging Yet Fulfilling Task
One of the most stressful obstacles I encountered was making connections with others. If you’re a potential student, this might also be one of your primary worries. I vividly recall my first day settling into my student accommodation, a few days prior to the official start of the term. I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had, both within my course and throughout the university. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was a little small talk with fellow students who were feeling just as anxious as I was.
So, what was my takeaway? The most significant lesson was to take that initial leap of faith early on. If you’re feeling apprehensive or uncomfortable, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a variety of individuals across the course and the university, you’re sure to find those who share your interests and values.
### Navigating the Workload: A Steep Learning Challenge
Another notable challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was certainly significant, and there was an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a rigorous academic atmosphere can occasionally shake your self-assurance. You may glance around and feel as though everyone else has everything under control, while you’re struggling to keep pace. However, here’s the reality: everyone is in the same situation. If you don’t comprehend something, it’s likely that others are just as perplexed. The crucial element is to seek help. This is, by far, the most vital lesson I gleaned in my first year—don’t hesitate to reach out to your fellow students or faculty when you need support.
### Aid from the Faculty: A Lifeline
On the subject of faculty, the instructors within the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the challenges students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained regular communication with us, addressing our worries and providing guidance. I didn’t fully utilize the available support until the conclusion of the year, and I regret not doing so earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I decided to take a step forward by becoming a well-being representative for my year group. This position enabled me to develop a closer relationship with the faculty, which proved to be extremely beneficial. There are several avenues to connect with the faculty, and pursuing these connections is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My main takeaway from this experience is to fully embrace the support that’s available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt—both before embarking on university and throughout the year—was frequently unwarranted. There are ample support systems in place, from faculty to fellow students, that can aid you in navigating the trials of university life. I’ve come to realize that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve learned how to balance having fun with the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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