**Thoughts 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 experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and a sense of uncertainty about the path ahead. I was on the verge of starting 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 somewhat shy and introverted, taking the plunge into this new phase was quite intimidating. Now, reflecting on the academic year that has passed, I see a time full of personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. But what have I taken away from this experience, and where do I find myself now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was the task of making friends. This is a common concern for many incoming students, and I was no different. On my first day in student housing, merely a few days prior to the start of classes, I remained indoors all day, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever known, both within my program and throughout the university.
What did I discover? I found that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not quite ready or comfortable, don’t panic—numerous ice-breaking events and chances to connect with others will arise. Most importantly, I learned the significance of being true to oneself. With such a diverse group of individuals at university, you’re bound to encounter those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Managing the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was significant, with an even steeper climb from the first term to the second. Being in such a demanding environment can occasionally erode your confidence, especially when observing others study and feeling like you’re lagging behind.
What assisted me in navigating this was the realization that everyone shares similar struggles. If you struggle with a concept, it’s likely that others are facing the same issue. The key lesson I took from my first year was the importance of seeking help—whether from classmates or faculty. Don’t hesitate to reach out; cooperation and support are crucial for achievement.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Regarding faculty support, the assistance from the Materials department has been outstanding. The lecturers and tutors sincerely aim to help students succeed and grasp the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, there was consistent dialogue between students and faculty, and they were always ready to address our concerns.
I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral care available until the academic year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. Early on, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative, which offered me valuable opportunities to connect with the staff. Cultivating these relationships has proven invaluable, and I encourage others to follow suit. My primary takeaway here is to fully leverage the support that exists—there’s no such thing as too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on this year, I’ve learned that the apprehension I felt before commencing university—and even throughout the year—was largely misplaced. With the broad array of support options from both staff and peers, I never felt isolated. Most importantly, I learned how to balance the pleasure of my experiences with the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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