**Musings on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty about the path ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree 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) as a freshman. Plunging into the unfamiliar was not something my introverted nature was used to. Reflecting on this past year, I recognize it as a time rich in personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what lessons has this year imparted, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating hurdles I encountered at the outset was the quest to make friends. This often stands as one of the most challenging parts of commencing university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be a concern of yours as well. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entirety of the day tucked away in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life, both within my course and throughout the university. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with others who were just as apprehensive.
So, what did I glean from this experience? I discovered that taking the plunge at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress! There are numerous ice-breaker activities and avenues to connect with others. Most importantly, I learned that authenticity is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to meet those who resonate with your interests and beliefs.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another notable challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a conspicuous increase in difficulty from A-levels, and in some respects, an even more significant transition from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a demanding environment can occasionally undermine your confidence. You may observe others studying intensely and feel inadequate in comparison. However, what aided me was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that many others are grappling with it too. So, don’t shy away from seeking assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to absorb in your first year—never hesitate to reach out to your classmates and instructors!
### Valuing Staff Support
This brings me to my subsequent point: the faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely care about your success and recognize that students encounter challenges. They empathize and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year to resolve any issues that arise. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took a step forward by becoming a year well-being representative. This opportunity allowed me to connect with the faculty, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself. My primary insight from this experience is to make full use of the available support. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Reflections
In summary, this year has revealed to me that the anxious feelings I harbored before and during university were mostly unfounded. There are a plethora of support resources accessible from both staff and fellow students. I’ve come to understand that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to enjoy myself while balancing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
—
*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/)*