**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 experienced a whirlwind of nerves, apprehensions, and doubts about what lay ahead. I was on the brink 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. For someone who has always been introverted and quiet, plunging into this new chapter felt daunting. However, with the benefit of hindsight, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Forming Friendships: The Initial Major Hurdle
One of the most intimidating challenges of commencing university was making new friends. If you’re reading this as a potential student, this may be a concern for you as well. On my first day in student housing, right before classes started, I remained in my room all day, too shy to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to the present, and I can assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, which began with casual conversations with those who were just as uncertain.
What did I take away from this experience? I learned that making the effort at the year’s outset is vital. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to meet new people. Most significantly, just embrace who you are. With such a diverse range of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to connect with those who reflect your interests and values.
### Managing the Workload and Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was markedly significant, and there was an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a rigorous environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel like you’re lagging.
What assisted me during these challenging times was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something isn’t clear to you, chances are others are grappling with it too. The essential lesson here? Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This is arguably the most critical skill to cultivate in your first year—whether it means seeking help from classmates or reaching out to faculty.
### The Significance of Staff Support
On the topic of staff, I can’t stress enough how amazing the Materials department is. The faculty and support personnel genuinely care about your success and recognize the hurdles faced by students. They maintain a steady line of communication with us throughout the academic year, addressing our worries and providing guidance.
I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, and I regret not doing so earlier. At the start, I took a bold step by serving as a well-being representative for my year, which allowed me to connect with the staff more effectively. Establishing relationships with your instructors and support personnel is priceless, and there are numerous ways to achieve this. My primary takeaway? Don’t hesitate to leverage the available resources—you can never have too much support.
### Concluding Remarks
To summarize, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt before and during university was mostly unwarranted. There are countless support systems available, from faculty to fellow students, that can alleviate those fears. I’ve come to appreciate that I’m never truly on my own, and I’ve learned how to balance enjoying the university experience with the unavoidable pressures of examinations and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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