**Reflecting on My Initial Year: Materials Science and Engineering**

*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*

Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was getting ready to start 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 had always been shy and somewhat introverted, plunging headfirst into this new experience was intimidating. Now, reflecting on the last academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, difficulties, and a lot of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and where do I currently stand?

### Making Connections: Taking the Initial Step

One of the most daunting hurdles I faced when starting university was forming friendships. If you’re a future student reading this, it’s probably a concern for you as well. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just a few days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day cooped up in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Flash forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family during my time at Imperial, and it all began with a little casual conversation with others who were experiencing the same feelings.

So, what has been my takeaway? I realized that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with people. Most importantly, just be authentic. With such a variety of personalities in the program and the university, you’re sure to encounter individuals who share your interests and values.

### Managing the Workload: Seeking Assistance

Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the subjects. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more intense. It’s easy to feel inundated and doubt your capabilities when you see others studying and apparently mastering concepts more swiftly. However, a key reminder that helped me cope was that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely others are grappling with it as well.

The most crucial lesson I learned in my first year was to reach out for help. Whether from your classmates or the teaching staff, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Everyone is there to support your success, and posing questions is a fundamental part of learning.

### Support from Faculty: Establishing Relationships

This leads me to my next point—the staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely wish for students to succeed and are well aware of the obstacles we face. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open with us, addressing our worries and providing support. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.

At the year’s outset, I made one significant move by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with faculty members, which proved to be extremely beneficial. There are numerous pathways to become acquainted with the staff, and doing so can greatly enrich your university experience. My major takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the support that’s available to you. You can never have too much assistance!

### Concluding Thoughts: Embracing the Experience

In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was largely unfounded. There is abundant support available, both from staff and fellow students, to help you tackle any challenges. I’ve come to understand that I’m not alone on this journey, and I’ve learned how to balance having a good time with managing the inevitable pressures of examinations and deadlines.

By embracing the opportunities and support surrounding me, I’ve evolved both academically and personally, and I’m eager to discover what the remainder of my university experience has in store.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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