**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, dread, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of beginning my first-year journey 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 has always been introverted and reserved, stepping into this new phase was intimidating. Now, reflecting on the academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what insights has this year offered, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forging Friendships
One of the foremost and most anxiety-inducing obstacles I encountered was the challenge of making friends. This aspect often ranks as one of the most daunting when entering university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely crossing your mind too. On my initial day of moving into my residence, merely days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Fast forward to today, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever experienced. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and all it took was engaging in casual conversation with others in a similar situation.
So, what did I take away from this? The main insight is to embrace that leap at the beginning of the year. Even if you don’t sense readiness or comfort, fear not! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and occasions to connect with others. Above all, just be yourself. With such a diverse array of personalities throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with you.
### Managing the Academic Demands
Another significant hurdle was acclimating to the workload and the complexity of the subject matter. There was undoubtedly a marked increase from A-levels, and even more so from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can sometimes undermine your confidence, particularly when observing others studying and feeling inadequate. But here’s the reality: everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you find something difficult to grasp, it’s likely others are grappling with it too.
The most crucial lesson I absorbed during my first year was the importance of seeking help. Whether it’s from classmates or faculty, don’t hesitate to ask. This straightforward action can significantly impact your experience.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Speaking of faculty, I cannot emphasize enough how remarkable the Materials department staff are. They genuinely aspire for your success and grasp the hurdles that students encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us, addressing our queries and providing support. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support accessible until late in the year, and I wish I had capitalized on it sooner.
At the year’s outset, I took the plunge and became a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to establish better relationships with the staff, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and doing so can be one of the best decisions you make for yourself. My primary takeaway here is to utilize the support that is at your disposal. You can never receive too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In hindsight, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced before and during university was mostly unfounded. With the vast resources available from both faculty and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned to balance enjoyment with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines, and I’ve developed both academically and personally.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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