**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 enveloped in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what awaited me. I was on the brink of starting my degree 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) as a freshman, and the prospect of venturing into the unknown felt overwhelming for someone like me, who had traditionally been a bit timid and introverted. Now, in hindsight, I recognize a year rich with personal development, challenges, and a multitude of enjoyable moments. So, what exactly did this year impart to me, and what is my current status?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Building Friendships
One of the most daunting hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is a common concern among many prospective students, and I was no different. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just prior to the semester commencing, I spent the full day retreating to my room, too apprehensive to emerge and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with a straightforward conversation with individuals who were experiencing the same feelings as me.
So, what did I glean from this? I learned that taking that first step is essential. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be ample ice-breaking activities and chances to connect with others. Above all, I discovered that being authentic is vital. With such a diverse array of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Addressing the Academic Load
Another major challenge was acclimatizing to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly an upgrade from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more striking. Being thrust into such a rigorous academic setting can sometimes rattle your confidence, especially when you observe others diligently studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind. However, something that aided me was the realization that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If something is difficult to grasp, it’s likely that others are encountering obstacles as well. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help! This might be the most valuable lesson I absorbed in my first year—never shy away from seeking guidance from peers and staff when necessary.
### The Value of Staff Support
This leads me to my next observation: the faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter obstacles. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us, addressing our questions and providing assistance. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff on a deeper level, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university journey. My primary takeaway here is to fully utilize the support offered to you—there’s no such thing as too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced prior to and during university was largely unmerited. With the extensive array of support options from both faculty and fellow students, assistance is always available when needed. I’ve learned that I’m never truly isolated, and I’ve figured out how to balance having fun with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.