**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I experienced a whirlwind of nervousness, fear, and uncertainty about the journey ahead. I was on the verge of beginning my path 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, plunging into this new phase of my life felt overwhelming. Yet, reflecting on the past academic year reveals a period of significant personal development, challenges, and immense enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current outlook?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered at the beginning of my university experience was forging friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, odds are you might share this same apprehension. On my first day in student housing, right before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. The individuals I’ve encountered have turned into a second family for me.
What insights did I derive from this journey? The crux is to take that first step. Even if you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t worry—there will be numerous ice-breakers and events tailored to help you engage with others. Most crucially, stay true to yourself. With such a diverse mix of individuals in the program and the university, you’re likely to find others who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the academic demands and the intensified complexity of the material. There was a discernible leap from A-levels, and an even greater transition from the first term to the second. It’s simple to feel inundated or question your capabilities when observing peers studying and seemingly comprehending concepts more rapidly than you. But here’s what aided me: reminding myself that everyone shares this experience. If you’re struggling with something, it’s likely that others are too. The most vital lesson I gleaned in my first year was to seek help. Whether from peers or instructors, don’t hesitate to reach out.
### The Significance of Faculty Support
On the subject of faculty, the staff in the Materials Science division is remarkable. They sincerely wish for your success and are attuned to the challenges students encounter. Throughout the academic year, they upheld open lines of communication with us, addressing any issues we raised. I didn’t fully utilize the supportive resources available until the end of the year, and I regret not doing so earlier.
At the year’s outset, I opted to take initiative and became a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to connect with the staff on a deeper level, which has proven invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My primary takeaway from this is to fully engage with the support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Reflections
In summary, this year has revealed to me that the anxiety I experienced before and during university was mostly unfounded. With the vast array of support options accessible from both faculty and fellow students, I’ve realized that I’m never isolated in facing challenges. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to balance the enjoyment of university life with the inevitable 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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