**Looking Back on My First Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the path ahead. I was on the verge of starting my experience 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, leaping into this new phase was intimidating. Now, reflecting on the year, I recognize a period packed with personal development, challenges, and memorable moments. So, what precisely has this year revealed to me, and how do I find myself now?
### The Difficulty of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered was forging friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely a concern you share. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day retreating to my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve discovered a new family at Imperial, and it only required a little small talk with others experiencing the same situation.
What did I take away from this? I learned that making an effort at the start of the year is essential. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, there’s no need to stress! There will be numerous icebreaker activities and chances to engage with others. Above all, I discovered that authenticity is crucial. With such a diverse group of people throughout the course and the university, you’re sure to find individuals who connect with you.
### Navigating the Academic Load
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic load and the heightened complexity of the material. The difference from A-levels was evident, and the leap from the first term to the second was even more significant. Being thrust into such a demanding environment can undermine your confidence, particularly when witnessing how others are progressing and beginning to doubt your own skills.
What aided me in overcoming this was the understanding that everyone is dealing with similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely there are others equally puzzled. So, don’t hesitate to reach out for support! This might be the most crucial lesson from my first year: always seek help from peers and faculty.
### Assistance from the Faculty
On the topic of faculty, the support team in the Materials department is exceptional. They are genuinely invested in your success and empathize with the challenges students encounter. Throughout the year, they consistently communicated with us regarding any difficulties we were facing. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, and I regret not doing so earlier.
At the year’s onset, I took a chance and became a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect more with the staff, which proved extremely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to cultivate relationships with the faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit. My main takeaway is to fully leverage the available support. 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 frequently misplaced. With the extensive support accessible from both faculty and fellow students, those feelings can be navigated. I’ve recognized that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve learned how to combine enjoyment with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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