**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding what awaited me. I was about to begin 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 a naturally shy and reserved person, diving into this new experience felt intimidating. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period of significant transformation—filled with personal development, challenges, and numerous enjoyable moments. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Fear of Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. Beginning university can feel overwhelming, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, you may share similar concerns. On my first day at student accommodation, a few days prior to the official start of term, I spent the entire day cooped up in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve cultivated some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced. The individuals I’ve encountered here—both within my course and throughout the university—have become like family to me. It all began with simple interactions, like engaging in casual conversations with others who felt the same way.
So, what did I learn? I discovered that taking a risk at the beginning of the year is invariably worthwhile. If you’re not prepared or don’t feel at ease immediately, that’s perfectly fine! Numerous icebreaker events and opportunities exist to connect with fellow students. Most importantly, I found that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse community at Imperial, you are sure to meet others who align with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adjusting to the workload and heightened complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was distinct, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt particularly tough. Being in a rigorous academic setting can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when you observe others studying while worrying that you might be lagging behind.
What aided my journey through this was the understanding that everyone faces similar challenges. If you find it hard to grasp a concept, there’s a good chance that others are struggling too. The best course of action is to seek assistance—whether from peers or faculty. This lesson stands out as one of the most vital learned during my initial year.
### The Value of Support
Speaking of faculty, the support network in the Materials department is exceptional. The lecturers and tutors truly want you to excel and are understanding of the hurdles students encounter. They keep lines of communication open throughout the year, addressing any issues we might have.
Although I only began fully utilizing the pastoral support towards the end of the year, I regret not starting sooner. At the beginning of the year, I took the plunge and became a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to create connections with faculty members, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway? Take full advantage of the support available to you—you can never receive too much help!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve come to understand that the anxiety I experienced—both prior to starting university and throughout the year—was often unfounded. A wealth of resources and support systems exists to help students flourish, whether through staff, classmates, or university activities.
This year has taught me that I’m never truly alone, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. It has illustrated how to balance the stress from exams and deadlines with joyful and fun moments. Most importantly, it has been a year of development, and I am eager to discover what lies ahead.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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