**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**

*Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*

Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and doubt about what lay ahead. I was about 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. As someone who once identified as shy and introverted, jumping headlong into this fresh chapter was far from comfortable for me. Reflecting now, I recognize a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and endless enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand today?

### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends

One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. If you are a prospective student, this might be a concern for you as well. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just days before the term kicked off, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet new people. Fast forward to now, and I can say with confidence that I’ve established some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, beginning with simple conversations with others who were equally apprehensive.

So, what was my takeaway? I realized that taking that first step at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I discovered that the best approach is to be true to yourself. Given the diverse mix of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who align with your interests and values.

### Navigating the Academic Workload

Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels was noticeable, and even more so between the first and second terms. Being thrust into such a demanding academic setting can occasionally shake your self-assurance. You might observe others studying and feel inadequate. However, here’s what helped me: recalling that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you’re having difficulty understanding something, there’s a good chance others are as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This became the most crucial lesson I learned during my first year—don’t shy away from reaching out to your classmates and professors.

### The Significance of Support from Faculty

Speaking of faculty, the teaching staff in the Materials department is outstanding. They genuinely care about your success and appreciate the hurdles students encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us regarding any concerns we were facing. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until late in the year, but I regret not doing it earlier.

At the start of the year, I took a brave step by becoming a Year Well-being Representative. This position helped me connect with the staff, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are multiple avenues to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My essential takeaway from this experience is to fully leverage the support resources available to you. You can never have too much assistance!

### Concluding Remarks

In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced—both before and during university—was mostly unfounded. With the wide array of support from staff and fellow students, I’ve learned that I’m never alone. More importantly, I’ve mastered how to balance having fun with the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.

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