**Reflections 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 was overwhelmed with nerves, apprehension, and hesitation about what awaited me. 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. Having always been somewhat shy and introverted, diving into this new experience felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. But what exactly did I gain from this experience, and where do I stand now?
### Forming Bonds: Conquering the Initial Barrier
One of the most anxiety-inducing obstacles I encountered was making connections. If you are a potential student, this might be one of your primary concerns as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, which was a few days prior to the official start of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the most wonderful friendships I could have hoped for—friends who feel like an extended family. All it required was a little casual conversation with others who were experiencing the same feelings.
So, what have I discovered? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take that first step. If you’re not entirely ready or comfortable from the get-go, that’s perfectly fine! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I found that being authentic is essential. With the diverse range of individuals at the university, you are certain to find those who align with you.
### Managing the Workload: A Steep Learning Curve
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was indeed a notable increase from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more substantial. Being thrust into such an environment can at times unsettle your confidence. You might glance around and feel like others are managing better than you. But here’s the reality: everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely that others are also grappling with it.
The key lesson I gleaned in my first year was the importance of seeking help. Whether it’s from your classmates or the faculty, don’t shy away from reaching out. Everyone is there to assist you, and looking for help is a sign of fortitude, not of weakness.
### Assistance from the Faculty: Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out
In terms of support, the faculty in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely desire to see you thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us, responding to our concerns and providing guidance. I didn’t fully leverage the available pastoral support until late in the year, and I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the year’s beginning, I made the decision to become a well-being representative for my year group. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty on a deeper level, which was immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to foster relationships with staff, and cultivating these can make a significant difference. My primary takeaway here is to capitalize on the support that is offered—you can never have too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts: Accepting the Journey
In hindsight, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced before and during university was largely unwarranted. There are abundant support systems in place, from the faculty to fellow students, ensuring you’re never truly alone. I’ve learned to juggle the stress of exams and deadlines while also enjoying my university experience, leading to personal development in unexpected ways.
Therefore, if you’re about to embark on your own journey, take that leap. Be true to yourself, seek assistance, and embrace the challenges that lie ahead. You’ll emerge more resilient on the other side.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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