**Reflections on My Inaugural 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 anxiety, fear, and doubt about what awaited me. I was on the brink of beginning my path 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. As someone who previously exhibited shyness and reticence, plunging into this new phase felt intimidating. Now, reflecting back, I recognize a year marked by personal development, challenges, and abundant enjoyment. But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current situation?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Socializing
One of the first and most daunting hurdles I encountered was forging friendships. This is frequently one of the most intimidating elements of beginning university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it might be a concern for you as well. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, merely days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too frightened to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to today, and I can say with assurance that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had—friends who now feel like a second family here at Imperial.
What did I glean from this encounter? I discovered that taking that first step is essential. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease initially, fear not—there will be ample ice-breaker events and opportunities to connect with others in similar circumstances. Most importantly, I realized that authenticity is crucial. With such a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you’re certain to find others who align with your interests and principles.
### Addressing the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the materials. There was distinctly a significant leap from A-levels, and an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being thrown into such a setting can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when observing others studying and feeling as if you’re lagging behind.
One aspect that aided me in navigating this was the awareness that everyone is in similar circumstances. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely that others are experiencing the same struggle. That’s why seeking help is vital—whether it’s from your peers or the staff. This might just be the most crucial lesson I took away from my first year: don’t shy away from asking for support.
### The Encouraging Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the teachers in the Materials department are exceptional. They sincerely desire for you to excel and comprehend the hurdles students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained steady communication with us, providing support and understanding.
I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, and I regret not doing so earlier. At the beginning of the year, I took a significant step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position allowed me to connect more deeply with the staff, which proved to be extremely beneficial. There are many avenues to foster relationships with faculty, and doing so can immensely enhance your university experience. My key takeaway? Don’t hesitate to utilize the assistance available—there’s no such thing as too much support.
### Concluding Remarks
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that the apprehensions I experienced, both prior to and during university, were largely baseless. With the extensive array of support from staff and fellow students, I learned that I am never truly alone. More significantly, I uncovered how to strike a balance between enjoying myself and managing the unavoidable 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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