**Reflections 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 overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was about to begin my journey 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 has always been introverted and quiet, the prospect of immersing myself into university life felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on this past academic year, I recognize a time of substantial personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. But what have I gained from this year, and what is my current state?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the primary and most anxiety-inducing challenges I confronted was making friends. The start of university can be overwhelming, and if you’re reading this as an upcoming student, it may be one of your major worries. On my first day settling into accommodation, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day locked in my room, too frightened to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all beginning with casual conversations with those in similar situations.
So, what did I discover? I realized that taking that first step is always beneficial. If you’re not ready or feel uneasy at the onset, don’t panic! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I learned that if there’s one thing you should be, it’s yourself. With a diverse array of personalities throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find individuals who click with you.
### Facing the Academic Challenges
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was definitely a noticeable step up from A-levels, and the transition from the first to the second term was even more significant. Being immersed in such an environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, particularly when observing others study and feeling like you don’t measure up. However, one important reminder that helped me was that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something confusing, it’s likely that others are as well. Therefore, ask for assistance. This may be the most vital lesson I learned during my first year. Don’t shy away from seeking help from both peers and staff.
### The Value of Support
Speaking of staff, the backing from the Materials department has been remarkable. The lecturers and tutors genuinely desire for you to thrive, and they recognize the difficulties students encounter. They maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year and are always ready to address our worries. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until the end of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I ventured into becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff more deeply, which has been priceless. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. My key takeaway from this experience is to capitalize on the support at your disposal. You can never have an excess of assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt, both before and during university, was mostly unwarranted. There are numerous support mechanisms in place, from staff to fellow students, that can help ease those worries. I’ve learned that I’m never on this journey alone, and I’ve figured out how to 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/)