**Reflections on My Initial Year as a Materials Science and Engineering Scholar**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to start my adventure 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, plunging into this new phase was intimidating. Now, upon reflection of the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and a lot of joy. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
### Making Connections: Surmounting the Initial Challenge
One of the most anxiety-inducing obstacles I confronted was forming friendships. If you’re a potential student reading this, you might be anxious about similar concerns. On my first day moving into my residence, just before term began, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can say with certainty that I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships of my life. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all began with a simple chat with individuals who were just as apprehensive as I was.
What have I learned? I discovered that taking that first step at the beginning of the year is essential. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there will be ample ice-breaking activities and chances to meet others. And most importantly, just be yourself. With such a varied group of individuals within the course and university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Workload: A Challenging Learning Experience
Another major hurdle was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was stark, and there was an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in this environment can sometimes disrupt your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind.
What helped me through this was realizing that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re lost on a topic, it’s likely that others are equally perplexed. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson I learned during my first year—reach out to your peers and the faculty when you need support!
### Assistance from Faculty: Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Guidance
On the subject of faculty, I can’t emphasize enough how incredible the Materials department staff are. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the hurdles that students experience. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us to resolve any concerns we faced. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had done it sooner.
At the start of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which has been tremendously beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for your well-being. My main takeaway? Utilize the support that’s accessible to you—you can never have too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts: Valuing the Experience
In general, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was often unwarranted. With the extensive support options available from both faculty and fellow students, I’ve realized that I’m never solitary. I’ve also learned how to enjoy myself while managing the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
Reflecting on my journey, I take pride in the progress I’ve made, and I’m eager to see where the remainder of my university path leads me.
—
**Written by** [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
**Categorized under:** Uncategorized
**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/)