**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, trepidation, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my path as a freshman 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. Having always been somewhat introverted, plunging into this new venture was certainly outside my comfort zone. Now, reflecting on the academic year, I recognize it as a time of substantial personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what exactly has this year imparted to me, and what is my current state?
One of the initial and most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. If you are an incoming student reading this, this might be a concern for you as well. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I remained in my room all day, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the most extraordinary friends I’ve ever had. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all initiated with casual conversations with those who were feeling just like me.
So, what key insight did I gain? I discovered that taking the plunge early is always rewarding. If you don’t feel ready or at ease initially, there’s no need to worry—ample ice-breaking events and chances to connect with others will present themselves. Most crucially, I learned to embrace my true self. With such a diverse mix of personalities within the course and university, you will undoubtedly find individuals who resonate with you.
Another major obstacle was adapting to the heavy workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was evident, and the shift from the first term to the second term was even more pronounced. Being placed in such a demanding environment can temporarily shake your self-assurance, especially when you observe others studying and begin to feel like you’re lagging behind. However, one thing that helped me was realizing that everyone shares similar struggles. If something doesn’t make sense to you, it’s likely that others are having difficulties as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This has been perhaps the most significant lesson I took away from my first year—never hesitate to seek out help from your peers and faculty.
Regarding faculty, the teaching team in the Materials department is exceptional. They truly want you to thrive and are well aware of the trials students experience. They connect with us and maintain consistent dialogue throughout the year to rectify any challenges. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until late in the year, and I regret not doing so earlier. At the beginning of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position helped me build a rapport with the staff, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself. My primary conclusion here is to leverage the available support—you can never have too much assistance!
To sum it up, this year has revealed to me that the anxieties I experienced prior to and during university were largely unwarranted. There are abundant support networks available, both from staff and fellow students, that can alleviate those concerns. Most significantly, I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and that it is indeed feasible to relish university life even amid the pressures of examinations and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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