**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was about to start 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. As someone who has always been introverted and quiet, plunging into university life felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past year, I recognize it was filled with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what exactly have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was making friends. If you’re an incoming student perusing this, you might share similar concerns. On my first day of settling into student housing, a few days prior to the start of term, I found myself spending the entire day retreating in my room, too daunted to step outside and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can say with certainty that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life. Here at Imperial, I’ve come to see my peers as a second family, and it all began with simple conversations with others who were just as nervous.
So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that taking risks at the outset of the year is invaluable. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease right away, there’s no need to panic! Numerous ice-breakers and events are available to facilitate connections. Above all, just be authentic. With a diverse community of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to meet those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Addressing the Academic Challenges
Another challenge I had to navigate was the academic workload and the complexity of the course material. There was undoubtedly a significant leap from A-levels, and an even greater one from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a setting can lead to self-doubt, especially when you observe others studying and feel as if you’re falling behind. However, here’s the reality: everyone shares the same experience. If you’re struggling with a concept, it’s likely others are too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson I’ve learned in my first year—don’t shy away from seeking help from peers and faculty!
### The Value of Faculty Support
Speaking of faculty, the staff in the Materials department is outstanding. They genuinely care about your success and are aware that students encounter various challenges. They show empathy and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year. I didn’t fully utilize the support services available until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of them sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to connect more closely with the staff, which has proven invaluable. There are countless ways to engage with faculty members, and this is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My key takeaway from this experience is to fully utilize the available support—you can never have too much assistance!
### Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced before and during university was mostly unwarranted. There are numerous support systems in place, from faculty to fellow students, that help alleviate those fears. I’ve discovered that I’m never alone in my experiences and have learned to balance the enjoyment of university life with the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
—
*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/)*