**Insights from 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 anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. 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. Stepping into the unknown was not something that my formerly reserved self was used to. Now, reflecting on the past year, I recognize a period rich in personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what have I learned this year, and what’s my current perspective?
### Forming Friendships: The Primary Challenge
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. It’s certainly one of the more stressful aspects of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, you might already be anxious about it. On my first day of moving into my residence, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, feeling too shy to venture out and meet others.
Fast forward to today, I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and all it took was engaging in some light conversation with others in similar situations. So, what lesson did I gain from this? I found that it’s always beneficial to take that plunge early on. If you’re not ready or at ease, don’t fret—there will be plenty of ice-breaking events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I learned that if there’s one thing to be, it’s yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals at the university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
### Managing the Workload and Academic Difficulties
Another challenge I needed to navigate was the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being immersed in this new environment can sometimes undermine your confidence—you might observe others studying and feel inadequate.
What assisted me in overcoming this was the realization that everyone shares the same experience. If you’re struggling with a concept, I can nearly assure you that others feel the same way. So, seek assistance. This is perhaps the most crucial lesson I acquired in my first year—don’t hesitate to reach out for help from your peers or instructors!
### Assistance from the Faculty
On the topic of faculty, the lecturers and tutors in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely wish for your success and understand that students encounter difficulties. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year to tackle any concerns we may have. Even though I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, I regret not doing so earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to build rapport with the staff, which has proven invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My key takeaway from this experience is to leverage the available support—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
Overall, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced prior to and during university was mostly unnecessary. With the vast array of support from both faculty and peers, I discovered that I’m never truly alone. More importantly, I’ve learned how to embrace enjoyment, even in the midst of exam pressures 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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