**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
A decade ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what the future held. 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 fresh first-year student. For someone who had always been introverted and reserved, plunging into this new phase of life felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the previous academic year, I view it as a path filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what has this year imparted to me, and what’s my current stance?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting hurdles I encountered was the quest to form friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, you may share similar concerns. On my inaugural day of moving into my accommodation, just days before classes began, I found myself spending the whole day sequestered in my room, far too intimidated to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever known, both at this university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others who were in similar situations.
What did I take away from this? I discovered that taking that initial step at the start of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, be yourself. With the diverse group of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who align with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic demands and the difficulty of the material. There was certainly a shift from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more dramatic. Being thrust into such an environment can impact your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and feel like you’re lagging behind. However, here’s what assisted me: recalling that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely that others are struggling with it too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year—reach out to your peers and faculty whenever you need help.
### Support from the Materials Department
Speaking of faculty, I can’t stress enough how incredible the staff in Materials Science are. They genuinely desire for you to thrive and comprehend that students encounter hurdles. Throughout the year, they maintained consistent engagement with us, addressing our worries and providing support. I didn’t begin to utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, and I wish I had done so earlier.
At the year’s outset, I took a step forward by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to connect more with the faculty, which turned out to be immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. My key takeaway from this? Take full advantage of the assistance and support available—you can never have too much!
### Final Reflections
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt prior to and during university was largely misplaced. With the extensive support accessible from both faculty and fellow students, those feelings of anxiety can be managed. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to balance enjoying my time while navigating the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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