**Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and doubt about the future. 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 naturally shy and introverted, leaping into this new phase felt intimidating. Yet, reflecting on the past year, I recognize a period marked by personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what have I taken away from this year, and what is my current position?
### Forming Friendships: An Intimidating Yet Fulfilling Endeavor
One of the most anxiety-inducing tasks I confronted was making friends. If you’re a future student reading this, it’s probably one of your greatest worries as well. On my initial day moving into accommodations, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, I can proudly declare that I’ve forged some outstanding friendships. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was a bit of casual conversation with others who were just as apprehensive as myself.
So, what did I discover? I learned that taking that first step at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to engage with others. Most crucially, I learned that being authentic is essential. With a wide array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
### Coping with the Academic Workload and Challenges
Another key challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a noticeable increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more significant. Being thrust into this type of environment can occasionally shake your confidence, particularly when observing others studying and feeling like you’re lagging behind. But here’s the reality: everyone shares this experience. If something isn’t clear to you, chances are it isn’t for others either. The most vital lesson I absorbed in my first year is the importance of seeking assistance. Whether from classmates or faculty, reaching out is essential.
### The Value of Faculty Support
Speaking of faculty, the professors in the Materials department are fantastic. They truly desire your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. Over the year, they maintained transparent communication with us, addressing our worries and providing assistance. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.
At the year’s onset, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position allowed me to engage more with the staff, which has proven invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and doing so can greatly enrich your university journey. My key takeaway? Make the most of the support provided—you can never receive too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has taught me that much of the nervousness I experienced before and during university was largely unfounded. With an abundance of support from both faculty and fellow students, I learned that I’m never genuinely alone. Most importantly, I uncovered the method to balance enjoyment with the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
By Dawson La
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**By** [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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