**Reflections on My First Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Back in October 2022, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the journey ahead. I was on the brink of beginning my first year as a 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). As someone who has always been introverted, jumping into university life felt incredibly intimidating. However, reflecting on the academic year now, I recognize a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment! But what insights did this year provide me, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
Making friends was one of the most daunting obstacles I encountered. If you’re prospective student reading this, you might share the same apprehension. On my first day settling into student housing, just prior to the semester starting, I spent the entire day hiding away in my room, too anxious to go out and meet others. Fast forward to now, I can proudly say I’ve made some of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever known here at Imperial, both within my course and throughout the university. It turns out, all it required was a little small talk with fellow students in similar situations.
So, what have I taken away from this? I learned that taking that initial step at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease immediately, no worries! Numerous ice-breaker events and chances to meet new people will arise. Most importantly, I realized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals at university, you are sure to find those with whom you truly connect.
### Managing the Academic Load
Adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material was another key challenge. There was clearly a step up from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can really impact your self-esteem, especially when you observe peers studying and feel like you’re lagging. However, the reality is: everyone is undergoing the same experience. If you’re struggling with a concept, it’s likely that others feel just as perplexed. The primary lesson I learned during my first year was to seek assistance. Whether it’s from friends or faculty, don’t hesitate to ask for support.
### Assistance from the Faculty
On the subject of faculty, the teaching staff in the Materials department are outstanding. They truly want you to thrive and are aware of the challenges students endure. Throughout the year, they kept in close touch with us regarding any difficulties we faced. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral resources available until the latter part of the year, and I regret not doing so earlier.
At the start of the year, I bravely stepped forward to become a well-being representative for my year. This position provided me with greater insight into the staff, which was immensely beneficial. There are various avenues to engage with faculty, and this is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My key takeaway from this experience is to capitalize on the support offered—you can never have too much assistance!
### Final Reflections
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced, both leading up to and during university, was mostly unfounded. The abundance of support from faculty and fellow students can indeed transform your experience. I’ve realized that I am never completely alone, and I’ve learned how to find a balance between having fun and managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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