**Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, a wave of nervousness, fear, and uncertainty washed over me as I stood on the brink of my initial year as a 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. For someone who had always maintained a shy demeanor, embracing the unknown was an alien experience. Reflecting now, I see a year filled with personal growth, challenges, and countless joyful experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was the challenge of making friends. For numerous incoming students, this is often a primary worry when commencing university life. On my inaugural day at student accommodation, merely days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day isolated in my room, too intimidated by the thought of venturing out and introducing myself to others.
Fast forward to the present, and I can proudly say I’ve cultivated some of the most incredible friendships I’ve ever had. During my time at Imperial, specifically within my program, I’ve discovered a second family. All it required was for me to step beyond my comfort zone and engage in brief conversations with fellow students who were experiencing similar feelings.
What have I learned? I realized that taking the initiative from the outset is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease right away, that’s perfectly fine—there will be an abundance of icebreaker events and opportunities to engage with others. Above all, I found that being authentic is the best strategy. With such a diverse community at Imperial, you’re certain to connect with individuals who align with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the increased workload and heightened difficulty of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was unmistakable, and the leap from the first term to the second felt particularly daunting. Being immersed in such a rigorous academic setting can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when observing others studying diligently and feeling as if you’re lagging behind.
What aided me in overcoming this was the realization that everyone experiences similar struggles. If you find yourself grappling with comprehension, it’s likely that others are, too. The crucial step is to seek assistance—be it from classmates or faculty. Developing the ability to seek help is arguably the most vital skill to acquire during your first year.
### The Nurturing Materials Department
Speaking of assistance, I cannot express enough appreciation for the staff in the Materials department. They truly care about students’ success and are highly understanding of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they fostered open communication with us and provided unwavering support.
While I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral care offered until the conclusion of the year, I wish I had started earlier. At the beginning of the year, I decided to step forward by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to forge connections with staff members, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and taking those steps can significantly enrich your university journey. My key takeaway? Utilize the support available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Key Takeaways
Looking back at my first year, I’ve come to understand that the apprehension I felt—both leading up to starting university and throughout the academic year—was frequently unwarranted. The extensive support system offered by staff and fellow students made a substantial difference. This year has revealed to me that I’m never alone, teaching me how to balance enjoyment with the inevitable stresses of exams and deadlines.
To everyone getting ready to embark on their university adventure: take that bold step, embrace the challenges, and don’t hesitate to seek help. You’ll grow in ways you never envisioned.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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