**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Just ten months ago, in October 2022, I was enveloped in anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was preparing to embark on my journey 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 on the quieter side, stepping into the unknown felt daunting. Reflecting back, I recognize that this year has been transformative—rich with personal development, challenges, and countless unforgettable experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Fear of Friendship
One of the most significant hurdles I faced initially was forming friendships. For numerous incoming students, this can be one of the most daunting aspects of beginning university. I remember my first day in student housing, spent retreating to my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly declare that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced—friends who truly feel like family.
How did I navigate this challenge? It all began with casual conversations and connecting with others who were experiencing similar feelings. I discovered that making the leap at the start of the year is essential. If you’re not ready to jump right in, don’t stress—there are numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, I learned that being authentic is crucial. With such a varied community at Imperial, you are sure to find others who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another significant change was adjusting to the workload and the heightened difficulty of the course material. The leap from A-levels to university was considerable, and the shift from the first term to the second proved even more demanding. It’s easy to second-guess yourself when you observe others studying diligently and feel you’re lagging behind.
What helped me through these phases of self-doubt was the awareness that everyone shares similar struggles. If you’re finding it hard to grasp a concept, there’s a good chance others are too. The best course of action is to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or faculty. Learning to ask for help is arguably the most invaluable skill I acquired during my first year.
### The Value of Supportive Faculty
Speaking of assistance, the faculty in the Materials department have been remarkable. They genuinely desire for students to thrive and are understanding of the issues we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open and were consistently willing to address our inquiries.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until late in the year, I regret not doing so earlier. Taking on the role of a well-being representative was one of the leaps I made early on, enabling me to establish meaningful relationships with staff. Familiarizing yourself with your lecturers and tutors is tremendously beneficial, and there are ample opportunities to do so. My key takeaway? Utilize the resources and support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Looking back over the past year, I’ve come to realize that many of the anxieties I harbored—both prior to and during university—were unwarranted. With the backing of the staff, fellow students, and the larger Imperial community, I’ve learned that I’m never genuinely alone. More crucially, I’ve uncovered how to manage the pressure from exams and deadlines while also embracing moments of joy and enjoyment.
This first year has represented a journey of development, and I eagerly anticipate the future as I continue my studies in Materials Science and Engineering.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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