**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 felt a mix of nerves, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was set 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. For a person who had always been introverted, the thought of jumping into this new chapter was overwhelming. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what lessons did this year impart, and where do I stand now?

### Confronting the Fear of Building Friendships

One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was forming new friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you may share that same apprehension. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, mere days before the semester started, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too intimidated to step outside and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever known. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all began with casual conversations with people who were just as anxious as I was.

So, what have I learned? I understood that taking that first step is vital. If you’re not ready or don’t feel at ease immediately, that’s perfectly fine! There are numerous ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most significantly, I learned that being genuine is the best approach. With such a wide array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who click with you.

### Navigating the Academic Workload

Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and complexity of the material. There was indeed a noticeable transition from A-levels, and the leap from the first term to the second was even more striking. Being immersed in such a demanding academic atmosphere can at times undermine your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind. But here’s the reality: everyone is in the same situation. If you are struggling with a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The essential thing is to seek help. This might be the most critical lesson I absorbed in my first year—never hesitate to reach out to your classmates or the staff when you require assistance.

### Assistance from the Staff

Speaking of staff, the team in the Materials department is outstanding. They truly want to see you thrive and comprehend the obstacles students encounter. Throughout the year, they kept communication lines open, addressing our worries and providing support. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I regret not doing 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 connect with the staff on a deeper level, which was extremely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the most advantageous things you can do for yourself. My most significant takeaway from this experience is to leverage the support systems available to you. You can never receive too much help!

### Concluding Thoughts

In summary, this year has taught me that much of the apprehension I felt before and during university was largely unfounded. With the extensive support from both faculty and fellow students, I learned that I was never truly alone. More importantly, I discovered how to balance enjoying university life with the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.

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

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