**Looking Back 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, trepidation, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of beginning 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. For someone who has always been introverted and reserved, plunging headlong into such a major life transition was intimidating. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment! But what exactly has this year imparted to me, and where do I find myself now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was making new friends. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of entering university, and if you’re reading this as a future student, it may be a concern for you as well. On my initial day moving into my residence, just a few days prior to the official start of the term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to go out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. Here at Imperial, particularly within my course, I’ve discovered a second family. All it required was a bit of casual conversation with individuals who were experiencing similar feelings.
So, what lesson did I take away from this? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take that initial plunge at the start of the year. If you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress—there will be ample ice-breaking events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I saw that the best thing you can be is your true self. With such a diverse group of individuals across the course and university, you’re certain to find those who align with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened difficulty of the material. There was indeed a noticeable transition from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being tossed into such an atmosphere can shake your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and begin to question your own capabilities. However, one crucial thing that assisted me during this time was the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find yourself confused about something, it’s likely that others are grappling with it as well. The critical thing is to seek assistance—this could be the most vital lesson to absorb in your first year. Reach out to your classmates and the faculty for help!
### The Significance of Faculty Support
Speaking of faculty, I cannot stress enough how incredible the staff in the Materials department is. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students often face challenges. Throughout the year, they maintained regular communication with us, addressing our questions and providing assistance. I didn’t fully take advantage of the support available until late in the year, but I wish I had done so earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to forge better connections with the staff members, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to cultivate relationships with faculty, and it’s one of the best choices you can make for yourself. My primary takeaway from this experience is to fully utilize the support that’s offered to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Reflections
To sum up, this year has revealed to me that the apprehension I felt prior to and during university was largely unfounded. With the extensive array of support available from both faculty and fellow students, I swiftly realized that I was never alone. I’ve learned how to strike a balance between having fun and managing the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
Looking back, I am proud of the progress I’ve made, and I eagerly anticipate what the next few years at Imperial hold for me.
—
*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/)*