**Insights from My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my adventure 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 an individual who has always been somewhat introverted, plunging into this fresh phase of life was intimidating. Reflecting upon the year now, I recognize that it has been a period of significant personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment. But what exactly did I learn this year, and what is my current state?
### Forming Friendships: The Initial Major Hurdle
A particularly daunting aspect of beginning university was the task of making friends. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my first day of settling into student housing, just days before classes began, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, far too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the deepest friendships I’ve ever experienced. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, all stemming from casual conversations with others in similar circumstances.
So, what has this taught me? I came to understand that taking that first step is always beneficial. If you aren’t prepared or don’t feel at ease right away, that’s completely fine! There are countless ice-breaking events and opportunities to connect with people. Above all, I’ve learned that the best approach is to be your authentic self. With the vast diversity at the university, you are certain to find individuals who share your interests and values.
### Confronting the Workload and Academic Demands
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the demanding coursework and the complexity of the subjects. There was undoubtedly a leap from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even tougher. Being in such a challenging academic setting can sometimes undermine your confidence. You might witness your peers poring over their studies and feel inadequate. But here’s the reality: everyone is navigating similar struggles. If you find a concept hard to grasp, it’s likely that others do as well. The secret is to reach out for assistance. This is perhaps the most crucial lesson I gleaned in my first year—never hesitate to ask for help from classmates and faculty.
### The Value of Staff Support
Speaking of faculty, the professors in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely care about your success and recognize the challenges students encounter. Throughout the academic year, they maintained consistent communication with us regarding any difficulties we might have been experiencing. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support available until late in the year, but I truly wish I had capitalized on it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to build a rapport with the faculty, which proved to be extremely beneficial. There are many avenues for engaging with the faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My most significant takeaway from this journey is to fully utilize the support available—there’s certainly no such thing as too much help!
### Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced prior to starting university, and even throughout the year, was largely unfounded. Numerous support systems exist, spanning from faculty to fellow students, to aid you in facing challenges. Most importantly, I’ve discovered that I am never truly alone and have found ways to revel in my experience, despite the stresses 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/)*