**Reflections on My First Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, fear, and uncertainty about what the future had in store. I was on the brink of starting 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 shy and reserved, plunging into such a fresh and demanding atmosphere was intimidating. Now that I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what exactly have I learned this year, and where do I find myself now?
### Making Friends: The First Big Challenge
One of the most anxiety-inducing parts of starting university was forming friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, you might be experiencing the same feelings of trepidation. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term officially starting, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to today, and I can say with confidence that I’ve made some of the most incredible friends I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others who were equally anxious.
What did I glean from this? Taking that first step is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease at the start, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaking events and chances to engage with others. Most significantly, I discovered that being true to yourself is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals at the university, you’re certain to find those who resonate with your interests and values.
### Tackling the Workload and Academic Challenges
Another significant challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was a noticeable increase from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment can easily undermine your confidence, particularly when observing others study and feeling as though you’re lagging behind. But here’s the reality: everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something doesn’t make sense, chances are others are grappling with the same topics.
The key lesson I took away in my first year is the importance of seeking help. Whether it’s from classmates or faculty, don’t hesitate to reach out. Everyone is here to assist you, and there’s no stigma in asking for help.
### The Importance of Support from Staff
On the topic of support, the staff in the Materials department are amazing. They genuinely want to see students thrive and are acutely aware of the hurdles we face. Throughout the year, they kept in regular touch with us, addressing our concerns and offering support. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral assistance available until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I did take one bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to connect with the staff on a deeper level, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are various ways to foster relationships with faculty members, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My biggest insight from this is to utilize all the support available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Final Thoughts: Overcoming Nerves and Thriving
Ultimately, this year has shown me that the anxious feelings I had before starting university—and even during the year—were, for the most part, unfounded. With the wide variety of support options available from both staff and fellow students, I was never truly alone. I’ve learned how to manage the stress from exams and deadlines while still having fun, and I’ve grown in ways I had never anticipated.
If you’re on the verge of beginning your own university adventure, remember this: take the plunge, be yourself, and don’t shy away from seeking help. You’re capable of succeeding!
—
*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/)*