{"id":305213,"date":"2025-12-23T10:12:52","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T10:12:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=305213"},"modified":"2025-12-23T10:12:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T10:12:52","slug":"dos-and-donts-for-the-initial-year-insights-gained-as-a-materials-science-student-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=305213","title":{"rendered":"Do’s and Don’ts for the Initial Year: Insights Gained as a Materials Science Student"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)<\/em><\/p>\n

Ten months ago, in October 2022, I felt anxious and uncertain about embarking on my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a newcomer. Venturing into uncharted territory was not something my formerly reserved self was familiar with. Looking back, I realize it has been a year rich with personal development, obstacles, and fun. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?<\/p>\n

One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This can often be one of the most daunting elements of beginning university, and if you’re an incoming student, it could be a significant worry. On my first day moving into my residence, I ended up spending the whole day in my room, feeling too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Now, I can proudly say I\u2019ve built some of the best friendships here, creating a second family at Imperial. It all commenced with casual conversations with others in similar predicaments. I learned that it\u2019s best to take a chance at the beginning of the year. If you\u2019re not ready, don\u2019t fret! There are numerous ice-breakers and events designed to help you get to know others. Just be yourself; with so many diverse individuals, you\u2019re sure to find those who resonate with you.<\/p>\n

Another challenge was managing the workload and the difficulty of the material. There was a clear escalation from A-levels, and an even more significant transition from the first to the second term. Being in such a setting can test your self-esteem; you may feel less capable in comparison to your peers. Keep in mind, everyone is navigating similar experiences. If something isn\u2019t clear to you, it\u2019s likely that others are struggling as well. Therefore, don\u2019t hesitate to seek help. This is a vital lesson to grasp in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and faculty!<\/p>\n

The faculty in Materials are excellent. They genuinely wish for you to thrive and are aware of student challenges. They keep open lines of communication regarding our concerns. I didn\u2019t utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. I took the initiative to become a year wellbeing representative, which allowed me to connect with faculty, an invaluable opportunity. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it is one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway is to leverage the assistance available. You can never have too much support!<\/p>\n

This year has shown me that feelings of nervousness about university are often unwarranted and can be eased by the support provided by staff and students. I\u2019ve discovered that I\u2019m never alone and how to find enjoyment even amid the pressures from exams and deadlines.<\/p>\n