**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Just ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was on the verge of commencing 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. For someone who had always been introverted and reserved, stepping into this new chapter felt exceptionally intimidating. However, reflecting on the past academic year, I now view it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered initially was establishing friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be a concern for you as well. On my first day moving into my residence, just a few days preceding the term’s official start, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet new people.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with light conversations with others who were equally anxious. What did I learn from this experience? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take that initial step. If you don’t feel ready or at ease right from the start, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities to help you connect with others. Most importantly, I realized that being true to yourself is essential. With the diverse range of individuals across the course and university, you’re likely to encounter those who align with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Workload
Another major challenge was acclimatizing to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable escalation from A-levels, and the shift from the first term to the second proved to be even more demanding. Being thrust into such a rigorous academic landscape can sometimes undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re not measuring up.
What aided me in overcoming this was the understanding that everyone is navigating similar hurdles. If you find something confusing, it’s likely that others share your sentiment. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson I garnered during my first year—reach out to your peers and academic staff when you require help.
### The Value of Support from Staff
On the subject of staff, I can’t emphasize enough how remarkable the Materials department is. The lecturers and support personnel genuinely want you to thrive, and they comprehend the challenges students encounter. They keep lines of communication open throughout the year, addressing any concerns we might have. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the year, I regret not doing so earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a step forward by serving as a well-being representative for my year group. This position allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff better, which was invaluable. There are numerous avenues to develop relationships with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My main takeaway is to take full advantage of the support at your disposal—there’s no such thing as receiving too much help!
### Closing Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced before starting university—and even throughout the year—was mainly unfounded. With the extensive support available from both faculty and fellow students, I was never truly alone in confronting challenges. I’ve figured out how to balance the stress from exams and deadlines with having fun, and I’ve developed in ways I never anticipated.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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