### Thoughts on My First Year Studying Materials Science and Engineering
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overcome with anxiety, uncertainty, and hesitation about what was to come. I was on the verge of commencing my first year 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 has always been introverted and quiet, entering this new phase felt intimidating. Reflecting on the past year now, I recognize it as a time of self-improvement, challenges, and remarkable experiences. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Fear of Making Connections
One of the most significant obstacles I encountered at the start was establishing friendships. If you’re an incoming student, you might share the same concern. On my initial day in student housing, I was so overwhelmed that I remained in my room the whole day, too anxious to meet anyone. However, looking at my situation today, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some amazing friendships.
I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it required was stepping outside of my comfort zone and initiating brief chats with others experiencing similar feelings. My key takeaway? Take that initial step at the year’s onset. If you’re not feeling prepared, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaker activities and social gatherings to assist you in connecting with others. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With such a diverse student community, you are sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was considerable, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s tempting to compare yourself with peers and feel inadequate. However, one realization that helped me was understanding that everyone is navigating similar difficulties. If you’re grappling with a concept, there’s a good chance others are as well.
The best piece of advice I can impart? Don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This is one of the essential skills to cultivate during your first year. Whether it involves reaching out to classmates or requesting help from professors, don’t shy away from asking questions.
### Support from Faculty and Well-being Programs
Speaking of faculty, the Materials Science department at Imperial is tremendously supportive. The educators truly want to see students thrive and are always receptive to suggestions. They recognize the challenges we encounter and actively strive to mitigate them.
I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier. One of the best choices I made was becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to forge connections with staff members, which proved invaluable. There are numerous opportunities to engage with faculty, and doing so can greatly enrich your university experience. My recommendation? Take advantage of all the available support—you can never have too much assistance!
### Closing Thoughts
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve come to understand that the fears and stress I felt before starting university were mostly baseless. There are abundant support systems in place, from faculty to fellow students, ensuring that no one has to embark on this journey alone. Most importantly, I’ve learned to balance academic responsibilities while savoring my time at university.
If you’re poised to begin your own university adventure, my straightforward advice is this: take the plunge, seek help when necessary, and embrace every opportunity that presents itself.
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**Written by** [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
**Categories:** Uncategorised
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