**Reflecting 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 was filled with apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink 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. As a person who had always been introverted and quiet, plunging into university life felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the previous academic year, I recognize it as a time brimming with personal growth, trials, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Building Friendships: The Initial Major Hurdle
One of the most stressful challenges I encountered was cultivating friendships. If you are an incoming student, this might also top your list of worries. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just before the semester began, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too afraid to step out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I am proud to say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals who were feeling the same way I was.
What takeaway do I have from this experience? I’ve realized that taking that initial leap at the start of the year is vital. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fret not—there will be an abundance of ice-breakers and chances to connect with others. Above all, just be yourself. With such a diverse group of people in the course and university, you are sure to meet those who align with your interests and values.
### Confronting the Academic Demands
Another challenge I faced was managing the workload and the complexity of the course material. The difference from A-levels was indeed significant, and the transition from the first term to the second felt even steeper. Being immersed in such a demanding setting can affect your self-esteem, especially when observing classmates studying and beginning to doubt your own skills.
What helped me navigate this was the realization that we were all in similar situations. If you find something perplexing, it’s likely that others do too. So, seek assistance. This has been perhaps the most essential lesson I learned during my first year—don’t hesitate to reach out for help, whether from fellow students or faculty.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the educators in the Materials department are outstanding. They sincerely want you to thrive and recognize the obstacles students often face. Throughout the academic year, they kept communication lines open regarding any challenges we encountered. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier.
At the year’s outset, I took a step forward by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to build relationships with the faculty, which was incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the educators, and I strongly encourage doing so. My primary message here is to leverage the support available to you. You can never have an excess of assistance!
### Concluding Remarks
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was largely unfounded. Numerous support systems exist, ranging from faculty to fellow students, that can help alleviate those feelings. I’ve come to understand that I’m never truly alone and that I can balance having fun with the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
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/)