**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was preparing 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, immersing myself in the bustling university atmosphere seemed intimidating. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and enjoyable experiences. But what specifically has this year imparted to me, and what is my current standing?
### Building Friendships: The Initial Major Hurdle
One of the most anxiety-inducing elements of commencing university was the task of forming new friendships. For any prospective student reading this, it’s likely a prominent source of your own apprehension. On my first day settling into student housing, just a few days prior to the official start of the term, I spent the majority of the day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, both within my course and in broader circles.
So, what has been my takeaway? I’ve come to understand that making that initial move to connect with others is invariably worthwhile. Even if you feel unprepared or uneasy initially, don’t fret—there will be plenty of social events and opportunities to engage with people in similar situations. Most crucially, I’ve learned that the best way to connect is simply by being yourself. With such a wide array of individuals at the university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Confronting the Workload
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the intricacy of the course material. The transition from A-levels was marked, and moving from the first to the second term proved even more demanding. Being immersed in this type of academic setting can occasionally shake your confidence. You might witness others studying hard and feel as if you’re lagging behind.
What assisted me in navigating these periods of uncertainty was the understanding that everyone faces similar struggles. If something confounds you, chances are others are grappling with it as well. The key lesson I gleaned during my first year was the importance of seeking help—whether from colleagues or instructors. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re in need of support.
### The Value of Support
On the topic of support, I cannot stress enough how remarkable the staff in the Materials department are. They genuinely care about students’ success and are well attuned to the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the academic year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, responding to any concerns that arose. While I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, I now wish I’d taken advantage of it sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took a step forward by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect more deeply with the staff, which turned out to be an invaluable experience. There are numerous ways to foster relationships with the staff, and I highly recommend pursuing them. My most significant lesson from this journey is to fully leverage the support systems available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Reflections
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehensions I harbored before and during university were largely unfounded. There exists a wealth of support options from both staff and fellow students that can help alleviate those stressors. I’ve realized that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve mastered the art of balancing the enjoyment of university life with the unavoidable pressures of exams 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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