**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was about to begin 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. For someone who had always been introverted and quiet, plunging into the chaos of university life felt intimidating. However, as I reflect back, I realize it has been a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments! So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
### The Challenge of Forming Connections
One of the earliest and most anxiety-inducing hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting elements of entering university, and if you’re a future student perusing this, it might be a concern for you as well. On my inaugural day settling into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships of my life. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, which all began with casual conversations with others who were in the same situation as me.
So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking that first step is essential. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease initially, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaking activities and chances to meet others. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With such a varied mix of individuals across the course and the university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
### Managing the Academic Load
Another major challenge was acclimating to the academic demands and the complexity of the material. There’s certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more significant. Being immersed in this environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying while you feel like you’re lagging. But here’s the reality: everyone is navigating the same waters. If something puzzles you, it’s likely that others are facing similar challenges. The best recommendation I can offer is to seek assistance. This may be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year—reach out to your classmates and faculty when you require help.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the instructors in the Materials department are outstanding. They truly want students to flourish and are fully aware of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication, displaying empathy and understanding. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had capitalized on it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took the initiative to become a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to build a rapport with the staff, which was tremendously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My key message from this experience is to fully utilize the support available to you—there’s no such thing as excessive help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was mainly unwarranted. With the extensive range of support options accessible from both faculty and fellow students, I realized that I was never genuinely alone. More importantly, I learned how to balance enjoying myself while navigating the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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