**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
A decade ago, in October 2022, I was consumed by nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding 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. Being a naturally shy and quiet person, venturing into uncharted territory was not something I was familiar with. Now, as I reflect on the last academic year, I recognize it as a period of significant personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what insights has this year offered me, and what is my current state?
One of the most considerable obstacles I encountered at the beginning was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most intimidating elements of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, you might share these concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before classes started, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, both within my course and throughout the university. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all of which began with casual conversations with others in similar situations.
So, what were my learnings? I realized that seizing opportunities at the year’s inception is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaking activities and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, I discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals at the university, you’re sure to connect with those who share your passions and principles.
Another notable challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. Transitioning from A-levels was indeed a notable increase, and in some respects, the leap from the first term to the second was even greater. Being immersed in such an environment can occasionally undermine your confidence, particularly when observing others study and feeling as though you’re falling behind. However, what provided solace was the understanding that everyone around me was experiencing the same struggles. If you find yourself puzzled by something, it’s likely that others are equally baffled. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson from my first year—reach out to your fellow students and the faculty when you require help!
On the topic of faculty, I must stress how exceptional the team in Materials Science is. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students encounter difficulties. Throughout the year, they kept us well-informed regarding any challenges we faced. I didn’t fully leverage the supportive services until later in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. At the beginning of the year, I took a brave step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to build connections with the staff, which has proven to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with faculty, and it’s one of the most advantageous actions you can take for yourself. My primary lesson here is to utilize the support that’s accessible—you can never have enough assistance!
Ultimately, this year has revealed to me that the apprehension I experienced before my university journey, and even during my time here, was often unfounded. Countless support systems are available, ranging from faculty to fellow students, to guide you through any difficulties. I’ve come to realize that I’m never truly on my own, and I’ve also discovered how to enjoy myself while managing the unavoidable stress that accompanies exams and deadlines.
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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/)*