**Reflections on My Inaugural 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 anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding the path ahead. I was on the verge of commencing 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. As someone who had always been introverted and quiet, plunging into the unknown felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a time brimming with personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I stand now?

### Making Connections: Conquering the Initial Challenge

One of the most anxiety-inducing obstacles I encountered was making connections. If you’re a future student, this could be one of your foremost worries as well. On my initial day settling into student housing, just days before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, both within my course and throughout the university. These connections have come to feel like a second family to me.

What did I glean from this journey? I discovered that taking a bold step at the onset of the year is essential. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, worry not! There will be countless ice-breaker events and chances to connect with folks in similar situations. Most crucially, I learned that authenticity is vital. With a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with your interests and principles.

### Managing the Workload: An Advancement from A-Levels

A further notable challenge was acclimating to the increased workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a discernible leap from A-levels, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel daunted or doubt your capabilities when observing others in their studies, but it’s imperative to remember that everyone shares the same struggles. If you find something perplexing, there’s a good chance others are too. The best course of action is to reach out for assistance. This may well be the most pivotal lesson I absorbed during my first year—don’t hesitate to seek help from your peers and faculty!

### Assistance from the Faculty: An Essential Asset

Speaking of faculty, I can’t stress enough how supportive the Materials Science department is. The professors and staff sincerely wish for students to thrive and recognize the hurdles we encounter. They keep communication lines open throughout the year and are always eager to assist. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support available until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had tapped into it earlier.

At the year’s beginning, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to connect more with the faculty, which has been invaluable. There are numerous avenues to foster relationships with the staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university journey. My primary takeaway is to fully utilize the support at your disposal—you can never have too much assistance!

### Closing Reflections: Embracing the Journey

In summary, this past year has enlightened me that the anxious sentiments I experienced before and during university were often misplaced. With the plethora of support available from both faculty and fellow students, I’ve come to realize that I am never solitary. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to relish my experiences even amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.

By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)

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