**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 engulfed in nerves, apprehension, and ambiguity regarding what was to come. 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. For someone who had always been introverted and reserved, immersing myself into the rigorous world of university life felt like a formidable challenge. Now, as I reflect on the academic year that has passed, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. But what have I learned, and what is my current state?
### Making Friends: The Initial Hurdle
One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. If you are a prospective student perusing this, it’s likely a concern that resonates with you as well. On my first day in student accommodation, just prior to the term commencing, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture outside and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced—companions who resemble a second family.
So, what did I discover? I realized that taking that first step is vital. Even when you feel apprehensive or out of place, myriad ice-breaker events and chances to connect with individuals in similar situations await. Importantly, I recognized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse group of people in the program and the university, you’re sure to find others who align with your interests and principles.
### Confronting the Workload
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear transition from A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into this setting can occasionally shake your self-assurance, especially when you perceive others studying and feel like you’re lagging behind.
What aided me in overcoming this was the understanding that everyone is navigating the same situation. If something doesn’t click for you, there’s a good chance others are finding it challenging as well. The best strategy is to seek assistance—be it from your fellow students or the faculty. This turned out to be the most valuable lesson I acquired during my first year: don’t hesitate to ask for help.
### Support from the Faculty
Talking about support, the staff in the Materials department are truly remarkable. They have a genuine interest in your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. Throughout the year, they kept communication lines open and approached our challenges with empathy. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral resources offered until the year’s end, but I wish I had capitalized on them earlier.
At the year’s outset, I took the initiative of becoming a year well-being representative. This position gave me the chance to connect with the faculty more intimately, which was immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and I strongly advise taking full advantage of these prospects. My primary takeaway? Don’t shy away from utilizing the support that’s accessible to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on the past year, I’ve learned that the apprehension I experienced before and during university was often misplaced. With the extensive support available from both faculty and fellow students, I realized that I was never truly alone. More importantly, I 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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