**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my adventure as a first-year scholar 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 phase felt intimidating. Now, in retrospect, this academic year has been a journey of significant personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
### Building Friendships: The Initial Major Hurdle
One of the most anxiety-inducing elements of beginning university was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you might resonate with these feelings. On my inaugural day in student housing, just before the semester started, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. However, jumping ahead to now, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I could ask for. I’ve established a second family here at Imperial, which all began with a little casual conversation with others who felt just as apprehensive as I did.
What lesson did I draw from this? I recognized that taking that first step is always valuable. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There are numerous social events and chances to connect. Most importantly, I learned that authenticity is essential. With a diverse group of individuals in the program and university, you are sure to encounter others who resonate with your interests and beliefs.
### Confronting the Work and Academic Obstacles
Another major challenge I confronted was adapting to the demands of the coursework and the complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels was stark, and the transition from the first term to the second term was even more vigorous. Being thrust into such a demanding atmosphere can sometimes undermine your confidence. It’s all too easy to look around and feel as if everyone else is managing better than you. But here’s the reality: everyone is facing similar struggles. If something isn’t clear to you, there’s a good chance that others are wrestling with it as well.
The key takeaway from my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether from classmates or faculty, reaching out when you’re in a bind is vital. Do not hesitate to express when you require support—everyone is here to lend a hand.
### The Value of Support from Faculty
Regarding support, I must highlight the wonderful staff in the Materials department. They genuinely care about your success and are aware of the difficulties students encounter. Throughout the academic year, they fostered open lines of communication with us and remained empathetic to our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it much sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took a chance and became a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to form connections with faculty members, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with the staff, and I strongly recommend doing so. My primary insight from this experience is to capitalize on the resources available to you. You can never receive too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that the apprehension I experienced before starting university—and even throughout the year—was largely unfounded. There are endless support systems established, from faculty to fellow students, to aid you in navigating the challenges. I’ve discovered that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve learned to juggle enjoying university life with the demands of assessments and deadlines.
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/)