**Thoughts 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 found myself engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting 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 a person who had previously been shy and introverted, immersing myself in university life was well outside my comfort zone. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a considerable amount of enjoyment. So, what precisely have I gleaned from this experience, and what is my current standing?
One of the earliest and most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This aspect is frequently one of the most intimidating when starting university, and if you’re a potential student perusing this, it may be a source of concern for you as well. On the day I moved into student accommodation, a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the whole day confined in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, I’m pleased to share that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve had, both within my course and throughout the university. I’ve created a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was a bit of light conversation with fellow students who were in a similar situation.
So, what did I discover? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take that first step at the start of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or comfortable immediately, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to mingle with others. Most importantly, I learned that the best version of yourself is simply being yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you’re certain to find kindred spirits who share your interests and values.
Another significant challenge was adapting to the increased workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a marked transition from A-levels, and an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into this new environment can occasionally rattle your confidence, particularly when observing others studying and feeling like you’re falling behind. What assisted me during these times was the reminder that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, there are likely numerous others feeling equally lost. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson I gleaned in my first year—reach out to your classmates and instructors for help!
Speaking of instructors, the faculty in the Materials department is fantastic. They sincerely want students to thrive and are cognizant of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open regarding our concerns and difficulties. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, I regret not doing so sooner. Early in the year, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff better, which proved to be immensely valuable. There are many avenues to foster relationships with faculty, and it’s one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. My main takeaway is to fully utilize the support resources at your disposal—you can never have too much assistance!
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced, both prior to and during university, was mostly unfounded. There exists an abundance of support systems, from faculty to fellow students, that can alleviate those fears. I’ve come to understand that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve learned to juggle enjoyment alongside the inevitable strains of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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