# Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Almost ten months ago, in October 2022, I was consumed by anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding the path ahead. I was on the brink of starting my journey as a first-year student in the Materials Science and Engineering MEng program at Imperial College London. As an individual who had always been somewhat introverted, venturing into the unfamiliar pushed me well beyond my comfort zone. Now, as I reflect on the past year, I recognize it as a time filled with personal development, challenges, and cherished memories. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current state?
An early—and particularly daunting—obstacle I encountered was forging friendships. If you are an upcoming student, this might be a concern you share. I vividly recall spending my first day in my new residence, retreating to my room, too anxious to emerge and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life—friends who resemble a second family. All it took was a few brief conversations with others who were equally new and apprehensive.
The crucial takeaway? Make that first move. Even if you aren’t feeling prepared, numerous ice-breakers and events are designed to facilitate connections with others. Most importantly, remain authentic. With the plethora of diverse individuals at the university, you are sure to find your community.
Another significant challenge was adapting to the academic demands and the complexity of the subject matter. There was a tangible leap from A-levels, and an even sharper increase between the first and second terms. It’s common to feel inundated or doubt your capabilities when observing others studying diligently. However, a helpful reminder is that everyone is navigating similar experiences. If you’re grappling with a concept, it’s likely that others are as well. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance—whether from classmates or faculty. Cultivating the skill to ask for help is one of the most valuable traits you can develop in your first year.
On the note of faculty, the assistance from the Materials department has been exceptional. They genuinely wish for students to thrive and are consistently receptive to our concerns. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, I regret not reaching out earlier. Initially, I took a chance and became a Year Wellbeing Representative, affording me the chance to build rapport with staff members—a genuinely rewarding experience. There are myriad ways to connect with the faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My advice? Fully embrace the available support—you can never have too much.
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that the anxiety and concerns surrounding university life are often unwarranted. With the extensive support from both staff and fellow students, you are never truly alone. I’ve learned to manage the stress from exams and deadlines while still enjoying myself, discovering much about my own character throughout the process.
—
*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/)