**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and a sense of the unknown regarding my future. I was on the brink 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 at Imperial College London. For someone who had always been introverted and quiet, stepping into the unfamiliar was a formidable challenge. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a journey filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
### Forming Friendships: The Initial Hurdle
One of the most anxiety-inducing parts of beginning university was the process of making friends. If you’re an upcoming student reading this, you might have similar concerns. On my very first day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days before the semester started, I spent the entire day in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet new people. Fast forward to now, I’m pleased to report that I’ve formed some of the most remarkable friendships I’ve ever known, both within my program and throughout the university. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all initiated by casual conversations with others who were experiencing the same challenges.
So, what have I gained from this experience? I discovered that taking that initial step at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t stress! There will be countless ice-breaking events and chances to connect with fellow students. Most importantly, I realized that being true to yourself is essential. With such a diverse community at the university, you’re sure to encounter individuals who align with your interests and values.
### Managing the Workload
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant shift from A-levels, and an even bigger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into this new atmosphere can shake your confidence, especially when you observe others diligently studying and feeling like you’re lagging behind. But here’s the reality: everyone is navigating the same challenges. If something is unclear, it’s likely that others are grappling with it as well. The most crucial lesson I learned during my first year was to seek assistance. Whether it’s from classmates or faculty, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
### Assistance from the Staff
Speaking of faculty, the support within the Materials department is outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students face obstacles. Throughout the year, there was regular communication between staff and students regarding any concerns we encountered. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had done so much earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to foster better relationships with the staff, which was extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and doing so can truly enrich your university experience. My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully leverage the support accessible to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was mostly unwarranted. With the wide range of support options from both faculty and peers, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned to manage the stress from exams and deadlines while also savoring my university experience.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, and I look forward to what the future brings.
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**By** [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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