**Reflections on My Initial Year Studying Materials Science and Engineering**

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

Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was poised to begin my adventure 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. Having always been shy and reserved, venturing into the unknown felt quite intimidating. Reflecting on this past academic year, I regard it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?

### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships

One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was making new friends. If you are an incoming student, this could also be one of your major worries. On my initial day moving into my accommodation a few days prior to the term commencing, I spent the whole day hiding in my room, too scared to go out and introduce myself to anyone. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was stepping outside my comfort zone and engaging in small talk with others who were in similar situations.

What did I discover? It’s essential to take that risk at the start of the year. Even if you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be a plethora of ice-breakers and events aimed at helping you connect with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a diverse range of people at the university, you’re sure to find those who align with your interests and values.

### Adapting to the Academic Demands

Another major hurdle was acclimating to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was noticeably steep, and the shift from the first to the second term felt even more intense. Being thrust into such an environment can sometimes shake your self-esteem, especially when you observe others studying and feel as though you are lagging behind. But one thing that aided me was the reminder that everyone is in a similar situation. If you struggle to grasp a concept, it’s likely others feel lost too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson I gathered in my first year: seek support from your peers and the faculty!

### The Value of Faculty Support

Speaking of faculty, the instructors in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely care about your success and understand the hurdles students encounter. They offer empathy and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year to address any issues that may arise. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until the latter part of the year, and I regret not utilizing it earlier.

At the year’s onset, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This role allowed me to connect with the faculty better, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and doing so can greatly enrich your university journey. My key takeaway? Make use of the support available. You can never have too much assistance!

### Concluding Thoughts

In summary, this year has taught me that the apprehension I experienced before and during university was mostly unfounded. With the broad spectrum of support options provided by both faculty and fellow students, I came to realize that I was never truly alone. I also learned how to enjoy myself while handling the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.

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

*Categorised under: Uncategorised*

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