**Reflections 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, anxiety, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was preparing to start my journey 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 always been introverted and cautious, venturing into the unknown was not something I was familiar with. Reflecting back now, I recognize a year marked by personal development, obstacles, and a considerable amount of enjoyment. But what exactly did this year impart, and where do I find myself today?
### Forming Friendships: The Initial Significant Challenge
One of the most intimidating elements of starting university was forming friendships. If you’re reading this as an incoming student, this may also be one of your primary worries. On my first day moving into student housing, just a few days before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day hiding in my room, too fearful to go out and meet others. Fast forward to the present, and I can firmly say that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, both within my course and throughout the university. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, beginning from brief conversations with others who were experiencing the same feelings as me.
So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking that first step at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease right away, don’t fret—there will be plenty of ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I discovered that the best approach is to be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the university, you are sure to find people who connect with you.
### Confronting the Workload
Another significant challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear jump from A-levels, and an even more substantial jump from the first term to the second. Being placed into such a rigorous academic setting can be challenging for your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and begin to doubt your own capabilities.
What aided me during this experience was the realization that everyone shares the same struggles. If you find yourself confused about something, chances are, others are facing similar difficulties. The key is to seek help. This might be the most crucial lesson I learned in my first year—never hesitate to ask for support from your peers and the faculty.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the instructors in the Materials Science department are exceptional. They truly want you to succeed and fully understand the challenges students encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us, addressing any issues we faced. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until the end of the year, and I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took the initiative to become a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty better, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to cultivate relationships with the staff, and doing so can be one of the best decisions you make for yourself. My primary takeaway here is to fully utilize the support system available to you—there’s no such thing as receiving too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that the anxiety I felt prior to and during university was largely baseless. With a broad array of support from both staff and fellow students, I learned that I was never isolated. More importantly, I discovered how to enjoy myself even amidst the stresses 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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