**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 overwhelmed with apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was poised to begin 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 introverted and reserved, the notion of immersing myself in university life felt intimidating. Now, in retrospect, I see that the past academic year has been one of significant personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. But what exactly have I discovered, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most anxiety-inducing aspects of beginning university was the fear of forming new friendships. If you’re a prospective student perusing this, it’s likely something that troubles you as well. I vividly recall my first day in student housing, a few days before classes officially commenced. I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly claim that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever known. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, all beginning with casual conversations and connecting with those in comparable situations.
What have I gleaned from this experience? The secret lies in taking that first step. Even if you feel unprepared or uneasy, do not fret—there will be numerous ice-breaking events and chances to meet new people. And most importantly, just be your authentic self. With such a varied student population, you’re certain to find others who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Hurdles
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was a stark transition from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. It’s easy to feel inundated and question your abilities, particularly when observing others working diligently. But here’s the reality: everyone is navigating similar waters. If you find something perplexing, it’s likely that others are too. The best action you can take is to seek assistance—whether from your classmates or the teaching faculty. Learning to request help early on is vital for not just surviving but flourishing in your first year.
### The Significance of Support from Faculty
On the topic of faculty, I can’t stress enough how remarkable the Materials department is. The educators and support personnel are genuinely invested in your success, understanding the hurdles students encounter. They remain receptive to feedback and maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the academic year. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step and became a year wellbeing representative. This position enabled me to connect better with the staff, which has proven immensely beneficial. There are countless avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My most important lesson from this is to fully utilize the support available to you—there’s no such thing as too much help!
### Concluding Reflections
To sum up, this year has taught me that the anxiety I experienced before starting university, and even throughout the year, was largely misplaced. There is an abundance of support available from both faculty and fellow classmates. I’ve realized that I’m never truly on my own, and I’ve learned how to balance having fun with the unavoidable stress 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/)*