**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Just ten months ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting 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. Being someone who had always been quiet and introverted, diving into the unknown was far beyond my comfort level. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal growth, numerous challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what have I gained from this experience, and what is my current standing?
### Building Connections: Overcoming the Initial Challenge
One of the most anxiety-inducing challenges I confronted was forming friendships. If you’re a potential student reading this, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too nervous to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently assert that I’ve developed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with individuals who were experiencing similar feelings.
So, what lesson did I acquire? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I realized that authenticity is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
### Confronting the Workload and Academic Challenges
Another significant obstacle was adapting to the workload and the increased complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a demanding environment can shake your self-assurance. You might observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind. But here’s what aided me: reminding myself that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you find yourself perplexed, others likely are too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson from your first year—reach out to your classmates and the faculty when you need help.
### The Value of Staff Support
Speaking of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is exceptional. They truly wish for your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us regarding any challenges we were encountering. I didn’t fully exploit the pastoral resources until the year concluded, but I wish I had taken advantage of them earlier.
At the year’s start, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty, which proved invaluable. There are many ways to interact with the staff, and it’s one of the best steps you can take for your development. My most significant takeaway from this experience is to utilize the support available to you. You can never receive too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has taught me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was mostly unfounded. With the extensive range of support options offered by both staff and fellow students, I realized that I was never isolated. I also learned how to balance having fun with the unavoidable pressures 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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