**Musings 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 the future. I was on the verge of beginning 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. As someone who has always been rather introverted and reserved, stepping into the unknown felt utterly daunting. Now, as I reflect on the academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and enjoyment! But what did I learn this year, and where do I stand now?
### Befriending Others: The Primary Challenge
One of the most intimidating parts of starting university was the task of making friends. If you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be among your primary concerns as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too nervous to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life, both within my course and throughout the university.
I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with light conversation and establishing connections with others who were experiencing the same feelings as I was. What lesson did I take from this? I learned that taking that initial step at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, fear not! There will be plenty of ice-breaker events and chances to interact with others. Most importantly, I discovered that being genuine is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to find those who click with you.
### Managing the Workload and Academic Trials
Another challenge I encountered was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The shift from A-levels was significant, and the jump from the first term to the second was even more profound. Being immersed in such an intense academic atmosphere can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially upon seeing others studying and feeling like you’re lagging behind.
What supported me through this was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others are grappling with it too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance! This is perhaps the most crucial lesson I gleaned during my first year—don’t think twice about reaching out to your classmates and the faculty for help.
### The Value of Faculty Support
Speaking of faculty, I must stress how remarkable the staff in the Materials department is. They genuinely care about your success and are acutely aware of the challenges students encounter. Throughout the year, they kept up regular communication with us and were always approachable regarding our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had engaged with it much earlier.
At the start of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a wellbeing representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with the staff on a deeper level, which proved to be extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to establish rapport with the faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. My chief takeaway from this experience is to fully leverage the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehensions I had prior to and during university were largely baseless. With the abundance of support from both staff and fellow students, I learned that I’m never genuinely alone. More significantly, I learned how to enjoy my time while simultaneously managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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