**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I experienced feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was on the verge of starting 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. Being someone who had always been quiet and introverted, venturing into the unfamiliar seemed daunting. Reflecting now, I recognize a year filled with academic development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained from this journey, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Challenge of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating elements of starting university was the prospect of forming friendships. If you’re a potential student reading this, it’s likely something you’re concerned about as well. On my inaugural day in student housing, just days before the term officially commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too intimidated to step outside and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever known.
These bonds have evolved into a second family for me, both within my program and throughout the university. All it required was taking a step beyond my comfort zone and initiating brief conversations with individuals who were feeling similarly.
So, what did I discover? Initially, it’s beneficial to take that leap of faith early on. Even if you feel unprepared, there will be numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to engage with others. Secondly, just be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Dealing with the Academic Load
Another notable challenge was acclimating to the workload and the complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was significant, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel swamped or question your capabilities, especially when observing peers who appear to be managing effortlessly.
What assisted me in overcoming this obstacle was the understanding that everyone is navigating similar experiences. If you’re finding something difficult, it’s likely that others are struggling too. The key is to seek assistance—whether from your peers or your instructors. Learning to request help is one of the most crucial skills to cultivate in your first year.
### The Value of Supportive Faculty
On the topic of support, the faculty in the Materials department are exceptional. They are genuinely committed to student success and understand the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept communication lines open and offered various forms of help.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, I regret not utilizing it earlier. One of the best choices I made was becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to foster connections with faculty members, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and I strongly encourage you to make use of these opportunities. My main takeaway? Don’t hesitate to leverage the resources at your disposal—there’s no such thing as excessive assistance.
### Insights Gained
This year has shown me that the anxiety I felt before embarking on university—and even during the year—was frequently unfounded. With the backing of both faculty and fellow students, I discovered I was never alone in facing obstacles. Most significantly, I learned how to juggle the stress from exams and deadlines alongside moments of joy and enjoyment.
Looking back, I take pride in how far I’ve advanced. University life has been a path of development, and I eagerly anticipate what the next chapter will bring.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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