**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was consumed by nervousness, fear, and uncertainty regarding the road ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree 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) as a first-year student. As someone inherently shy and reserved, plunging into this new chapter of life was quite daunting. Yet now, reflecting on the academic year, I perceive it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered initially was forging friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, you might be experiencing similar worries. On my initial day at student housing, a few days prior to the term officially starting, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too afraid to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can assertively state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and all it took was a bit of small talk with others who were feeling just like me.
What did I learn from this experience? The crucial step is to take that initiative at the start of the year. Even if you feel unprepared, don’t fret—there are countless icebreaker events and chances to meet new people. Above all, be genuine. With a diverse range of personalities throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter individuals who you connect with.
### Navigating the Academic Workload
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was undeniably a noticeable increase in difficulty from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more significant. Being thrust into such a challenging environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe peers studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind.
What aided me in overcoming this was the understanding that everyone is navigating the same issues. If something doesn’t make sense to you, it’s likely that others are grappling with it as well. The most important lesson I absorbed during my first year was the importance of seeking help—whether from fellow students or faculty. Don’t shy away from reaching out!
### The Value of Support from Staff
Speaking of faculty, I cannot emphasize enough how outstanding the Materials department is. The lecturers and tutors are genuinely invested in your success and are aware of the hurdles students encounter. They maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year, addressing any concerns we might have. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, and I wish I had utilized it earlier.
At the start of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to build connections with the staff, which has proven to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My most significant takeaway? Make the most of the support that’s at your disposal—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 largely unwarranted. With the wide array of support available from both faculty and fellow students, I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone. More importantly, I’ve learned how to strike a balance between enjoying university life and managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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/)