**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 nervousness, fear, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was about to embark on 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 had always been introverted and reserved, immersing myself in such new experiences was not familiar territory. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. But what precisely did I gain, and where do I stand now?

### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships

One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was establishing new friendships. If you’re a prospective student tuning in, you might be experiencing similar feelings of apprehension. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the term kicking off, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to the present, I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had here at Imperial. I’ve discovered a second family, and all it took was a few moments of casual conversation with individuals who were just as nervous as I was.

What did I come to understand? I found that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there are numerous ice-breaking events and chances to mingle with others. Most importantly, I learned that the best approach is simply being yourself. With such a diverse group of people in the program and the university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.

### Addressing the Academic Demands

Another significant challenge was getting accustomed to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly an evident leap from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such an environment can shake your self-assurance, especially when observing others studying and feeling like you’re falling short. However, here’s what supported me: recognizing that everyone is in a similar situation. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, chances are, others are too. So, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson I internalized in my first year—do not be reluctant to ask for help from your peers and the faculty.

### The Significance of Guidance from Faculty

Speaking of faculty, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They truly want you to flourish and are aware of the challenges faced by students. Throughout the year, they kept an open line of communication regarding any difficulties we were experiencing. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s end, yet I wish I had done so earlier.

At the outset of the year, I took the initiative by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position allowed me to connect with the faculty, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with the academic staff, and it’s one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself. My key takeaway here? Make the most of the available support—you can never have too much assistance!

### Final Thoughts

To sum up, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced, both before and during university, was largely unwarranted. There are ample support systems in place, from staff to fellow students, that can help alleviate those concerns. I have realized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve discovered how to strike a balance between having fun and managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.

By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)

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