**Looking Back on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**

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

Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting my path 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 introverted and reserved, diving into this new chapter felt incredibly intimidating. Now, as I reflect, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what specific lessons have I taken away, and what is my current position?

### Forming Connections: The Initial Hurdle

One of the most daunting parts of starting university was the task of making friends. If you’re an incoming student, this might be on your mind as well. On the first day of moving into my residence, just a few days before classes started, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too nervous to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to the present, I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had, both within my course and throughout the university. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, which began with casual chats with others who were experiencing the same things.

So, what did I discover? I came to understand that taking that first bold step at the year’s outset is essential. If you’re not fully prepared or are feeling anxious, that’s completely okay! There are numerous ice-breaking events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I learned that authenticity is vital. With a diverse community at the university, you’ll inevitably meet those who resonate with your interests and principles.

### Confronting the Academic Load

Another challenge I encountered was adapting to the academic load and complexity of the coursework. The transition from A-levels was certainly significant, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being immersed in such an environment can occasionally undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe peers studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind. But here’s the reality: everyone is navigating the same waters. If you’re struggling with a concept, there’s a good chance others are equally perplexed. The key lesson I gleaned during my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether from fellow students or faculty, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

### Assistance from Faculty

On the topic of faculty, the educators in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely care about students’ success and are well aware of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open, listening to our concerns and providing support. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral resources until late in the year, and I regret not having done so earlier.

At the year’s onset, I took a step forward by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to establish better connections with the staff, which proved to be tremendously beneficial. There are various avenues to cultivate relationships with faculty, and I highly advocate for exploring those. My primary takeaway from this journey is to capitalize on the support available to you—there’s no limit to how much help you can seek!

### Concluding Remarks

In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt, both before and during my university experience, was mostly unfounded. Numerous support resources are accessible, from faculty to fellow students, ready to assist you in overcoming any obstacles. I’ve learned that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve discovered how to balance the enjoyment of university life with the unavoidable pressures 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/)*

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