**Contemplations 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 nerves, apprehension, and doubts about what the future would hold. 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. As an individual who had always been introverted and quiet, plunging into this new chapter felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
### The Difficulty of Building Friendships
One of the most daunting parts of commencing university was the process of making friends. If you’re a soon-to-be student, this could be one of your primary concerns as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days ahead of the term start, I spent the entire day secluding myself in my room, too anxious to go out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever known. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, which all began with casual conversations with others who were similarly nervous.
What did I realize? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always rewarding. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret—there are numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, I’ve come to understand that being authentic is crucial. With a diverse array of personalities present throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter individuals who connect with you.
### Adjusting to the Workload
Another significant challenge was getting accustomed to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a transition from A-levels, and an even larger shift from the first term into the second. Being placed in such a setting can unsettle your self-confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind. However, one thing that aided me was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find yourself confused about a topic, it’s likely that others are too. Thus, seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson I’ve taken away from my first year—don’t hesitate to ask for support from classmates or faculty!
### The Value of Support
Speaking of faculty, the backing from the Materials department has been remarkable. They truly desire for you to thrive and are aware of the obstacles students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained steady communication with us, addressing our worries. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral assistance until later in the academic year, I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the year’s outset, I made a bold move by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position allowed me to become acquainted with the staff better, which has proven invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and it’s among the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself. My foremost takeaway from this experience is to capitalize on the support offered to you—you can never have too much!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced prior to and during university was largely unfounded. With the extensive range of support from both staff and fellow students, I’ve learned that I am never alone. More importantly, I’ve figured out how to manage the pressures from exams and deadlines while still enjoying my university experience.
—
**By** [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
**Categorised under:** Uncategorised
**Tagged:** [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [first year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [imperial college london](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)