**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was enveloped in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. 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. For someone who had always been introverted and quiet, plunging into this new phase was intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I see a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and, most importantly, enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Making Connections: The Primary Challenge
One of the most anxiety-inducing elements of commencing university was forging friendships. If you’re a potential student perusing this, it’s probably a concern for you as well. On my first day settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term officially starting, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve established some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced. Here at Imperial, I have discovered a second family, and it all began with casual conversations with those who were navigating similar experiences.
What did I glean? I realized that taking that initial leap at the start of the year is essential. If you don’t feel ready or at ease right off the bat, don’t worry! Numerous ice-breaker events and chances to meet others will arise. Most importantly, I found that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse array of individuals within the course and university, you’re sure to connect with people who align with your values.
### Confronting the Workload and Academic Obstacles
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university-level content was significant, and the jump from the first term to the second was even more evident. It wasn’t always straightforward to sustain confidence in such an environment, particularly when observing others study and feeling like you’re lagging behind.
What assisted me in overcoming this was the understanding that everyone shares the same struggles. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely others are grappling with it too. The most vital lesson I took away from my first year was to seek assistance. Whether from peers or faculty, reaching out for guidance is crucial.
### The Value of Support from Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the educators in the Materials department are remarkable. They truly want students to thrive and recognize the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us, acknowledging our worries and providing assistance. I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until the year’s end, and I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the year’s outset, I stepped up by becoming a year well-being representative. This opportunity allowed me to foster better relationships with the staff, which turned out to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous paths to connect with faculty members, and doing so can greatly enrich your university experience. My primary takeaway from this facet of university life is to make the most of the support available. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In general, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced before and during university was largely unfounded. Thanks to the extensive support provided by both faculty and fellow students, those feelings of trepidation can diminish. I’ve come to realize that I’m never truly solitary on this journey, and I’ve learned how to balance my enjoyment with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
To sum up, my first year at Imperial has been a life-changing experience, brimming with growth, knowledge, and unforgettable moments. If you are about to embark on your own university journey, remember to take that plunge, seek help, and above all, stay true to yourself.
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*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/)*