**Insights from My Initial Year Studying Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey 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 an individual who has always been introverted and reticent, the thought of fully immersing myself in university life was overwhelming. Now that I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time rich in personal development, challenges faced, and a lot of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
### Forming Friendships: Conquering the Initial Major Hurdle
One of the most daunting elements of entering university was the task of forming friendships. If you’re a future student reading this, it’s probably a source of apprehension for you as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before the semester officially kicked off, I spent the entire day isolating myself in my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and all it took was stepping beyond my comfort zone and engaging in casual conversations with others who were experiencing the same transition.
So, what have I taken away from this? I learned that making an effort at the beginning of the year is undeniably rewarding. If you’re not feeling ready or at ease, don’t fret—there will be a myriad of ice-breaking events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I realized that the best way to approach it is to simply be yourself. With a diversity of people in the course and throughout the university, you are sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Managing the Workload: A Challenging Learning Experience
Another notable challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second felt even more challenging. It’s easy to become overwhelmed in such a setting, especially when observing others study and beginning to question your own capabilities. However, here’s what supported me: the acknowledgment that everyone is navigating similar waters. If you’re struggling with something, it’s likely that others are too. The crucial step is to seek assistance—be it from classmates or faculty. This might just be the most vital lesson I acquired in my first year.
### The Value of Support: Faculty and Pastoral Care
On the subject of staff, the Materials department at Imperial is phenomenal. The instructors and advisors genuinely desire for you to thrive, and they are aware of the adversities students encounter. They maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the academic year, responding to any concerns we might have. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support offered until the year was winding down, and I regret not doing so sooner.
At the outset of the year, I took a proactive step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to cultivate a rapport with the staff, which has been incredibly beneficial. Numerous opportunities exist to foster relationships with faculty, and doing so can be one of the best investments in yourself during your university experience. My key takeaway? Utilize the support available to you—there’s no such thing as too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts: Embracing the Experience
In summary, this year has taught me that the anxiety I felt before and during university was largely misplaced. A wealth of support systems is available, ranging from faculty to fellow students, so there’s no reason to feel isolated. I have learned how to juggle having fun with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines, and I’ve grown more confident in my capabilities.
If you’re on the verge of starting your own university adventure, my guidance is straightforward: take the plunge, seek help, and remain authentic. You will be amazed at how much you will develop and the enjoyment you’ll discover along the way.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
*Tagged: [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [Featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [First Year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [Imperial College London](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)*