**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**

*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*

Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and doubt about the future. I was on the brink of starting my experience 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. Being naturally shy and introverted, stepping out of my comfort zone was quite challenging. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what exactly has this year imparted to me, and where do I find myself now?

### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships

One of the most intimidating hurdles I encountered early on was the challenge of making friends. If you are a potential student reading this, you might be experiencing the same trepidation. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days prior to the term’s commencement, I spent the entirety of the day cloistered in my room, feeling too daunted to go out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to the present, and I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was a few moments of casual conversation with those who were feeling just as uncertain as I was.

So, what did I glean from this experience? I discovered that taking that initial step at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease, fret not—there will be ample ice-breaker events and chances to meet others. Above all, I learned that authenticity matters. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with your interests and principles.

### Navigating the Academic Demands

Another considerable obstacle was acclimatizing to the workload and the intricacies of the course content. There was certainly a discernible increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into this fresh academic setting can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when observing others studying while you feel as though you’re lagging behind. However, one insight that aided me was realizing that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling with something, there’s a high likelihood that your peers are too.

The most crucial lesson I absorbed during my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether it’s from classmates or faculty, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Everyone is here to support one another.

### The Value of Staff Support

On the topic of support, I cannot stress enough how exceptional the staff in the Materials department are. They truly care about the success of students and are fully conscious of the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication, addressing our worries and providing assistance. I wish I had fully utilized the pastoral support available earlier in the year.

At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by volunteering as a well-being representative for my group. This position allowed me to build rapport with the staff, which proved to be extremely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to connect with staff, and I highly encourage everyone to take advantage of them. My primary takeaway from this experience is to maximize the support you receive—there is no such thing as excessive help.

### Concluding Thoughts

Reflecting on the past year, I’ve come to realize that the apprehension I experienced before and during university was mostly unfounded. With the extensive support available from both faculty and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve mastered the art of balancing exam and deadline-related stress with personal enjoyment, and I’ve gained confidence in my ability to tackle challenges directly.

By Dawson La

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