**Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with a blend of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the path ahead. I was on the verge of starting my adventure 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, plunging into this new phase felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and numerous unforgettable experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Fear of Making Connections
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered early on was forging friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, you might share the same feelings of apprehension. On my inaugural day at student accommodation, just before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life here at Imperial.
The pivotal moment came when I opted to take small initiatives—beginning with light conversations with individuals in a similar situation. Gradually, these interactions evolved into significant friendships, and I now view my friends here as a second family. What did I take away from this experience? Firstly, it’s essential to take that plunge at the beginning of the year, even if it feels intimidating. If you’re not ready immediately, don’t fret—there are ample icebreaker events and chances to engage with others. Secondly, the most valuable approach is to simply be yourself. In a community as diverse as Imperial, you’re sure to encounter peers who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was acclimatizing to the workload and the heightened difficulty of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more demanding. It’s easy to feel swamped or doubt your capabilities when observing others study and questioning if you’re measuring up.
What assisted me in this journey was understanding that we’re all in similar situations. If you’re finding something difficult to grasp, it’s likely that others are too. The essential thing is to ask for assistance—whether it’s from your peers or the faculty. This is arguably the most critical lesson I acquired throughout my first year: don’t hesitate to seek guidance.
### The Significance of Supportive Faculty
Speaking of support, the staff within the Materials department have been remarkable. They sincerely want students to thrive and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained transparent communication with us and acknowledged our concerns. Although I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support available until the year’s end, I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a step forward by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to cultivate relationships with faculty members, which proved incredibly rewarding. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and doing so can profoundly impact your university experience. My primary takeaway here is to utilize the support systems accessible to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Reflections and Key Takeaways
In hindsight, this year has imparted the understanding that the nervousness I experienced—both prior to starting university and throughout my time here—was often without basis. With the abundant support from faculty and fellow students, I came to realize that I was never genuinely alone. I also discovered how to balance the pressures of exams and deadlines with moments of enjoyment and relaxation.
In conclusion, my first year at Imperial has been a journey of development, resilience, and exploration. To anyone on the verge of commencing their university experience: take the plunge, seek assistance, and don’t forget to relish the journey.
*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/)*