**Insights from 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 anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting my degree 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) as a first-year student. Venturing into the unknown was far from the norm for my previously timid and reserved self. Now, reflecting on this past year, I see a journey rich with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained from this journey, and how have I progressed?
### Building Friendships: The Initial Major Challenge
One of the most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forging friendships. If you are a prospective student, you may share this concern. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I have formed some of the most meaningful friendships I have ever known here at Imperial, both within my course and throughout the university. It turns out that all it required was a bit of casual conversation with others who were feeling the same way.
So what did I discover? I learned that taking that first step is crucial. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress! There will be ample ice-breaker events and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, I realized that authenticity is vital. With such a diverse population across the course and university, you are destined to find like-minded individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Workload
Another major challenge was acclimatizing to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a higher level of difficulty compared to A-levels, and the transition from the first to the second term was even more pronounced. Being immersed in this environment can be daunting—you might observe others hitting the books and feel as though you’re lagging behind. But here’s the truth: everyone is navigating the same waters. If you find something perplexing, it’s likely that others are experiencing the same difficulties. The most crucial lesson I gleaned in my first year is the importance of seeking assistance. Whether from classmates or faculty, don’t hesitate to reach out.
### Assistance from the Faculty
On the topic of faculty, the staff in the Materials department is remarkable. They sincerely want you to succeed and recognize that students encounter difficulties. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, addressing our concerns and providing support. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support available until later in the year, but I wish I had done so much sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to engage with the staff, which turned out to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself. My most significant takeaway from this experience is to leverage the support available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced, both before and during my time at university, was largely unfounded. Numerous support systems exist, from faculty to fellow students, that can help alleviate those fears. I’ve learned that I am never on this journey alone, and I’ve figured out how to balance having fun with the unavoidable 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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