**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, uncertainty, and hesitation about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting 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. For someone who has always been introverted and reserved, jumping straight into this new experience felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past year, I recognize an academic year that has been rich with personal development, obstacles, and quite a bit of enjoyment. But what have I truly absorbed, and where do I find myself today?
### Forming Friendships: The Initial Major Hurdle
One of the more anxiety-inducing elements of starting university was the quest for friendship. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely a source of your concern too. On the very first day of moving into my accommodation, just days ahead of the term, I spent the whole day holed up in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to the present, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships of my life. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and all it took was initiating some small conversations with people who were navigating the same experience.
So, what did this teach me? The secret lies in taking that first leap at the beginning of the year. Even if you feel unprepared or uneasy, fret not! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to socialize. Most crucially, be genuine. With such a variety of students throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and ideologies.
### Confronting the Workload and Academic Obstacles
Adjusting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the subject matter was another considerable challenge. The transition from A-levels to university was evident, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more stark. Being placed in such an environment can unsettle your confidence, particularly when you witness others engrossed in their studies and feel as though you’re lagging.
What aided me in surpassing these moments of uncertainty was the realization that we all share similar experiences. If something is unclear to you, there’s a good chance others are grappling with it as well. The most valuable lesson I gleaned during my first year was to seek assistance—be it from classmates or faculty. Never hesitate to ask for help when needed.
### The Significance of Staff Support
Speaking of assistance, the faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They sincerely want you to thrive and are acutely aware of the difficulties faced by students. Throughout the year, they maintained regular communication, displaying both empathy and understanding. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, I regret not engaging with it earlier.
At the year’s outset, I took a bold step by volunteering as a well-being representative for my cohort. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty on a deeper level, which proved immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and it is one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself. My key takeaway from this experience? Make full use of the support systems available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced before and during university was often misplaced. With the extensive support provided by both faculty and peers, I was never genuinely alone. I have discovered how to balance the pressures of exams and deadlines with savoring my university experience. Most importantly, I’ve evolved in ways I had never anticipated, and I’m eager to see what the future brings.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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