**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of initiating 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, venturing into the unfamiliar was not something I was familiar with. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a lot of joy. So, what insights has this year provided me, and how do I perceive my current situation?
### Building Friendships: The Initial Major Challenge
One of the most intimidating aspects of starting university was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely one of your primary concerns as well. On my first day moving into my residence, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all began with casual conversations with others who were equally anxious.
What did I take away from this experience? I learned that taking that first step is essential. If you’re not prepared or comfortable immediately, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to socialize. Most crucially, I discovered that being authentic is vital. With such a diverse array of individuals at the university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Confronting the Workload and Academic Challenges
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was a clear escalation from A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting can shake your confidence, especially when observing others studying and feeling left behind. However, here’s the reality: everyone is in this together. If something isn’t clear, it’s likely that others are facing similar difficulties. The key takeaway I grasped in my first year was the importance of seeking help—whether from peers or staff. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
### Encouragement from the Materials Department
This leads me to another important point: the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely desire for you to succeed and recognize that students encounter obstacles. Throughout the year, they maintained clear communication with us and demonstrated understanding of our challenges. I didn’t fully leverage the support systems available until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had taken advantage of them sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to connect with the staff, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university journey. My most significant lesson from this facet of university life is to fully embrace the support offered—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt leading up to and during university was largely unwarranted. With the extensive support available from both staff and fellow students, I learned that I’m never truly isolated. More importantly, I recognized how to balance having fun with the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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