**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, apprehension, and ambiguity about the future. I was preparing to start 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. As an individual who had always been introverted and reserved, venturing into the unknown was an unfamiliar experience for me. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. But what exactly have I gained, and what is my current status?

### Conquering the Fear of Social Connections

One of the most intimidating challenges I faced initially was forming friendships. This is a common concern for many incoming students, and I was no different. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just a few days prior to the term starting, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too daunted to venture out and make introductions. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was a little light conversation with others who were experiencing the same challenges.

So, what have I learned? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there are numerous ice-breaking events and chances to connect with new individuals. Most importantly, I discovered that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse mix of people within the course and the university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.

### Navigating the Academic Demands

Another significant obstacle was adapting to the coursework and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and the transition from the first to the second term was even more substantial. Being thrust into such an environment can be challenging for your self-esteem, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re not keeping up. However, one thing that assisted me in overcoming this was the realization that everyone shares similar struggles. If you’re struggling to grasp something, it’s likely that others are equally perplexed. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This may be the most crucial lesson from my first year—reach out to peers and faculty when you require support.

### The Value of Staff Support

On the subject of staff, the backing from the Materials department has been outstanding. They genuinely care about your success and recognize the difficulties students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, addressing any issues we faced. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the academic 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 allowed me to establish better connections with the staff, which has been priceless. There are various avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so is one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself. My main takeaway from this experience is to make the most of the available support—you can never have too much assistance!

### Closing Thoughts

In summary, this year has revealed to me that the anxiety I felt, both before and during my time at university, was mostly unwarranted. There is an abundance of support available, from both faculty and fellow students, to help alleviate those fears. I’ve learned that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve found ways to balance having fun with managing the inevitable stress from exams and deadlines.

By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)

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