**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
A decade ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my degree 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) as a first-year student. Diving into the unknown was not something my previously shy and reserved self was used to. Now, reflecting back, I see a year filled with development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered early on was forming friendships. This is a concern for many fresh students, and if you’re reading this as a prospective student, it might be weighing on your mind as well. On my first day moving into my lodging, just prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently claim that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had—friends who feel like a second family. All it required was stepping outside of my comfort zone and engaging in small talk with others who were in a similar situation.
So, what insights did I gain? The essential point is to take that bold step at the start of the year. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, there’s no need to worry—plenty of icebreaker events and chances to connect with others await. And above all, be yourself. With such a diverse array of personalities at the university, you’re bound to discover individuals who resonate with you.
Another major obstacle was juggling the workload and the heightened difficulty of the material. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes shake your confidence, especially when observing others studying and feeling like you’re lagging behind. But here’s the truth: everyone is experiencing the same thing. If you don’t grasp something, chances are there are others who don’t either. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This is perhaps the most crucial lesson I learned in my first year—don’t be reluctant to seek support from your peers or the faculty.
On that note about faculty, I must emphasize how remarkable the team in Materials Science is. They truly wish for your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. They connect with us empathetically and keep the lines of communication open throughout the year. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, and I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. At the start of the year, I made the decision to become a well-being representative for my year group. This position enabled me to build better relationships with the staff, which was immensely beneficial. There are various avenues to engage with faculty, and I highly encourage utilizing those opportunities. My key takeaway here is to fully embrace the support available—you can never have too much assistance!
In conclusion, this year has taught me that the anxiety I felt prior to and during university was mostly baseless. With the extensive support accessible from both faculty and fellow students, there’s always assistance at hand when you require it. I’ve realized that I’m never on my own, and I’ve learned how to harmonize enjoying university life with the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*