**Thoughts 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 ambiguity about what lay ahead. I was about to commence 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, plunging into this new chapter felt quite daunting. However, reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period rich with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyable experiences. So, what insights have I gained this year, and where do I find myself now?
### Confronting the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating hurdles I encountered was the quest to make friends. If you’re a prospective student reading this, you’re likely sharing this concern too. On my first day of settling into my accommodation, merely a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day hidden away in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet anyone. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it commenced with casual conversations with others who felt just like I did.
What did I take away from this? I realized that taking initiative at the beginning of the year is vital. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t worry! There will be ample ice-breaking events and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, I discovered that being true to yourself is the best approach. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who connect with you.
### Managing the Academic Load
Another significant challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was indeed a considerable leap from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being thrust into such a setting can unsettle your confidence, particularly when you see peers studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind. However, here’s the truth: everyone is experiencing similar feelings. If you don’t grasp something, it’s likely that others are struggling too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. This is perhaps the most crucial lesson I learned in my first year—don’t shy away from seeking help from classmates and faculty!
### The Value of Staff Support
Speaking of faculty, the professors in the Materials Science department are exceptional. They sincerely want you to thrive and are acutely aware of the challenges students encounter. Throughout the year, they kept in close contact with us regarding any difficulties we were facing. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a year well-being representative. This role provided me with the opportunity to connect with the staff, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the most constructive things you can do for yourself. My primary takeaway from this experience is to fully utilize the support that is accessible to you—you can never receive too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced before and during university was largely unfounded. With the extensive array of support resources from both staff and fellow students, I never faced challenges alone. I’ve learned how to balance the stress of exams and deadlines while still enjoying life, and I’ve matured in ways I never anticipated.
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/)