**Reflections on My First Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was on the verge of beginning 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 somewhat introverted and reserved, plunging into this new phase was intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I view it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and numerous enjoyable moments. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Making Friends: The First Big Challenge
One of the most anxiety-inducing parts of starting university was forming friendships. If you are an incoming student reading this, it’s probably a concern for you as well. On my initial day in student housing, a few days prior to the term officially kicking off, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the deepest friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all starting from casual conversations with others in similar situations.
So, what have I come to understand? I have realized that taking that first step is vital. Even if you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breakers and events specifically created to help you bond with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With the diverse community across the university, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Tackling the Academic Workload
Another major obstacle was adapting to the academic demands and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. Being thrust into this environment can occasionally undermine your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and question your own performance. However, one thing that provided reassurance was the realization that everyone shares similar struggles. If you find yourself confused about something, most likely, others do as well. The key is to seek assistance. This might be the single most crucial lesson I acquired in my first year—don’t hesitate to ask for help from both your classmates and the faculty.
### The Importance of Supportive Staff
Speaking of faculty, the instructors in the Materials department are exceptional. They truly want to see you thrive and recognize that students encounter various obstacles. Throughout the year, they kept an open line of communication regarding any issues we faced. I didn’t fully leverage the available pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had accessed it earlier.
At the year’s outset, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect more closely with the staff, which has proven invaluable. There are ample chances to engage with faculty, and taking advantage of this is one of the best things you can do for yourself. My chief takeaway from this experience is to make the most of the support at your disposal. You can never have excessive help!
### Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was mostly unwarranted. With the extensive support from both staff and fellow students, I’ve learned that I am never truly alone. I’ve also uncovered how to balance having fun with the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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