**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 overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was set to embark on 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 reserved, jumping into university life felt like a significant challenge. Now, reflecting on the last academic year, I view it as a time of profound personal development, obstacles, and lots of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
A major challenge I encountered early on was the pressure of making friends. If you’re a future student reading this, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my first day settling into student accommodation, just before the term commenced, I spent the entirety of the day secluded in my room, too afraid to go out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, beginning with casual conversations and connecting with others facing similar circumstances.
What have I learned? I’ve come to understand that taking initiative at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not quite ready or comfortable, don’t worry! There are numerous ice-breaking activities and events designed to facilitate engagement with others. Most crucially, I discovered that being true to yourself is essential. With such a diverse student community, you’re sure to find individuals who share your interests and values.
### Managing the Academic Load
Another major obstacle was adapting to the academic demands and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a clear leap from A-level studies, and the transition from the first to the second term presented even greater challenges. Being thrust into such an academic environment can undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel like you’re lagging behind. But the reality is this: everyone shares the same experience. If you find something confusing, I can almost assure you that others are grappling with it as well.
The most vital lesson I grasped during my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether from classmates or instructors, do not hesitate to ask for help when you’re stuck. This is a skill that will prove invaluable throughout your time at university.
### The Value of Staff Support
This leads me to my next point: the faculty within the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely wish for you to succeed and appreciate the difficulties students encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication, addressing our concerns and providing support. I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until the year’s end, yet I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.
At the start of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to better connect with the staff, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to cultivate relationships with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway is to fully leverage the support that’s available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Closing Thoughts
In summary, this year has revealed to me that the apprehension I felt prior to and during university was largely unfounded. With the extensive support provided by both staff and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned how to reconcile having fun with the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
In conclusion, although the path may appear intimidating initially, it’s rich with opportunities for personal development, support, and camaraderie. So, if you’re on the brink of beginning your university adventure, take that leap—you won’t regret it.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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