**Reflecting 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 engulfed by anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was preparing to begin 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. As someone who had traditionally been shy and introverted, stepping into this new chapter was far outside my comfort zone. Now, reflecting upon the past academic year, I recognize it has been filled with remarkable personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Forming Friendships: The Initial Hurdle
A major concern of entering university was the challenge of forging new friendships. If you’re a future student perusing this, it’s likely a worry you share. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before the semester officially commenced, I remained in my room the entire day, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships in my life. I have discovered a second family here at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with others who were in similar situations.
What lesson did I take from this? I learned that taking that first step is always worthwhile. Even if you don’t feel entirely ready or at ease, fear not! There are numerous ice-breaker events and opportunities aimed at helping you connect with others. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With such a diverse array of personalities across the course and university, you’re guaranteed to encounter individuals who match your vibe.
### Confronting the Academic Demands
Adjusting to the academic load and the complexity of the material presented yet another considerable challenge. There was undoubtedly a marked increase from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more significant. Being immersed in such a challenging atmosphere can easily undermine your self-esteem, especially when you observe your peers studying and feel as though you fall short.
What assisted me through this time was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something doesn’t make sense to you, it’s highly likely others are grappling with it as well. The most critical lesson I absorbed in my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether it’s from classmates or faculty members, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
### Assistance from the Faculty
On the topic of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is exceptional. They truly wish for your success and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. Throughout the year, they kept in regular touch with us, addressing our worries and providing support. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, and I wish I’d taken advantage of it sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect more closely with the staff, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are many ways to engage with faculty, and I highly recommend pursuing those avenues. My main takeaway from this experience is to capitalize on the support offered to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt before and during university was mostly unfounded. With a plethora of support options provided by both faculty and fellow students, I quickly discovered I was never isolated. I have learned to manage the pressures of exams and deadlines while also savoring my university experience. Most importantly, I’ve embraced the obstacles and learned to take those leaps of faith.
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*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/)*