**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainties about what the future held. I was on the verge of starting my adventure 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. Having always been somewhat introverted and reserved, plunging into the unfamiliar appeared intimidating. Now, as I reflect, I recognize that this year has been rich with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments. So, what insights have I gained from this journey, and what is my current state?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
A major source of anxiety for me was the task of making friends. If you’re a potential student, this might also be a concern for you. On my inaugural day moving into accommodations, just before term began, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too afraid to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced. Here at Imperial, I’ve acquired a second family, all initiated by casual conversations with peers in similar situations.
What have I learned? I discovered that taking that initial leap at the beginning of the year is invaluable. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, there’s no need to worry—there are numerous ice-breaking events and chances to engage with new classmates. Most importantly, I found that being true to oneself is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and the university, it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter others who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Load and Challenges
Another major obstacle was adapting to the academic workload and the elevation in complexity of the material. The difference from A-levels was quite apparent, and the transition from the first term to the second was even steeper. Being surrounded by such a demanding academic atmosphere can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind.
What propelled me through this was the realization that everyone is facing similar struggles. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely that others are grappling with it as well. The key lesson I gained during my first year was the importance of seeking help—be it from fellow students or faculty. Never hesitate to ask for assistance when you need it.
### Assistance from Faculty
On the topic of faculty, the staff in the Materials department are fantastic. They truly wish for students to flourish and understand the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they consistently maintained open lines of communication with us, addressing our worries and offering support. I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral care until late in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier.
At the year’s onset, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to better connect with the staff, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are myriad ways to engage with the faculty, and I strongly advocate for doing so. My primary takeaway from this experience is to fully leverage the support mechanisms that are at your disposal—there’s no such thing as too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehensions I harbored before and during university were largely unfounded. Thanks to the numerous support avenues accessible from both faculty and fellow students, I learned that I’m never truly isolated. Above all, I discovered how to balance having fun with managing the unavoidable stresses 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/)