**Thoughts 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 ambiguity regarding what lay ahead. I was about to begin my journey as a freshman 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. Having always been somewhat introverted, plunging into university life felt like a formidable challenge. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, hurdles, and plenty of joy. But what exactly have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Forming Friendships: The Initial Major Challenge
One of the most daunting elements of starting university was the task of making new friends. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation—just a few days ahead of the official start of term—I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to go out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say 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 engaging in a little small talk with others in similar situations.
So, what has this experience taught me? The primary takeaway is that taking that first step is always worthwhile. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease immediately, that’s perfectly fine! There will be numerous ice-breaking events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with your personality.
### Confronting the Workload and Academic Strain
Another considerable challenge was acclimating to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was undeniably a marked increase from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such a demanding environment can sometimes shake your self-assurance, especially when you observe others studying and feel like you’re lagging behind. However, here’s the reality: everyone shares this experience. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, I can almost assure you that others are too. The secret is to seek help. This is likely the most crucial lesson I acquired during my first year—don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from your peers or the faculty.
### Assistance from the Faculty
On the topic of faculty, I cannot highlight enough how outstanding the Materials department is. The lecturers and tutors genuinely care about your success and are aware of the obstacles students encounter. They keep communication channels open throughout the year and are always prepared to assist. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had utilized it sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This role provided an opportunity to build relationships with the staff, which proved immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with your professors, and doing so can greatly enrich your university experience. My suggestion? Make the most of the support that is available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the apprehensions I held prior to and during university were largely baseless. There are extensive support systems in place, from staff to fellow students, that can assist you in navigating the challenges. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to balance having fun with managing the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
By Dawson La
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