**Reflections 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 overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to begin my experience 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 has generally been introverted and cautious, diving into this new experience felt way outside my comfort zone. Now, as I reflect, I recognize a year brimming with personal evolution, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and how do I view my journey?
### Building Friendships: Conquering the First Significant Challenge
One of the most intimidating facets of beginning university was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely a concern that resonates with you as well. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the semester kicked off, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to emerge and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life, both in my program and university-wide.
I’ve created a second family at Imperial, and all it took were a few brief exchanges with individuals who shared similar feelings. What did I learn? I came to understand that taking that first step at the beginning of the year is vital. If you’re not entirely prepared, don’t fret! There are many ice-breaking activities and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, I found that being authentic is crucial. Among the diverse student body, you are sure to find those who click with you.
### Confronting the Academic Workload
Another significant challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a clear transition from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a rigorous academic setting can occasionally undermine your confidence. You might witness others studying and think you’re falling short.
What supported me during this time was the realization that everyone faces similar challenges. If you’re grappling with something, others likely are too. The most pivotal lesson I learned in my first year is to seek help. Whether it’s your classmates or the faculty, don’t hesitate to reach out.
### The Value of Support from Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the teaching staff in the Materials department is outstanding. They sincerely want their students to excel and understand the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept in touch with us regularly and showed compassion toward our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the available pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I made a bold choice to become a well-being representative for my cohort. This role provided me with the opportunity to connect more closely with the staff, which proved invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My main takeaway is to fully utilize the support that is accessible to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has illuminated the fact that the anxiety I felt, both prior to and during my university experience, was largely unfounded. With the wide-ranging support from faculty and peers, I’ve learned that I am never truly solitary. More significantly, I’ve come to understand how to take pleasure in my journey, even while navigating the demands 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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