**Reflections on My Inaugural 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 apprehension, fear, and uncertainty about what the future held. I was about to begin 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. As someone who has always been introverted and reserved, jumping into this new phase was intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I’ve experienced significant personal development, faced challenges, and had an abundance of fun. So what have I learned, and what is my current standing?
### Forming Connections: Conquering the Initial Hurdle
One of the most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered in the beginning was forming friendships. For many newcomers, this is often one of the most daunting facets of starting university. If you’re reading this as a prospective student, it might be on your mind as well. On the first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too nervous to venture out and introduce myself to anyone.
Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. Here at Imperial, particularly within my course, I’ve discovered a second family. All it took was a bit of casual conversation with others who were experiencing the same feelings as I was. So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking that initial step at the year’s outset is always worthwhile. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret—there are numerous ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I realized that authenticity is crucial. With such a diverse community at Imperial, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with you.
### Managing the Workload: A Steep Learning Curve
Another major challenge was getting accustomed to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a distinct jump from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when observing others studying and feeling as if you aren’t keeping pace.
What aided me during this was the understanding that everyone is navigating the same waters. If something doesn’t make sense, it’s likely that your peers are grappling with it as well. The most vital lesson I gleaned in my first year was to seek assistance. Whether from peers or faculty, don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re feeling stuck.
### The Supportive Faculty: An Essential Resource
Speaking of faculty, the staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They truly wish to see students thrive and recognize the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, empathizing with our difficulties. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until near the year’s end, and I wish I had sought it out earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a chance by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to become better acquainted with the staff, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are various ways to engage with the faculty, and I strongly encourage you to do so. My key takeaway from this experience is to fully utilize the support that is available to you. You can never have too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts: Embracing the Experience
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxious feelings leading up to and throughout university are often baseless. With the extensive support provided by both faculty and fellow students, those anxieties can be mitigated. I’ve learned that I’m never genuinely alone in this journey, and I’ve managed to strike a balance between enjoying myself and navigating the inevitable stress of exams 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/)*