**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 doubt regarding what lay ahead. I was on the brink of starting 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. For someone who had always been quiet and reserved, plunging into this new chapter seemed daunting. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a considerable amount of enjoyment. So, what precisely did this year teach me, and where do I find myself now?

### Conquering the Fear of Developing Friendships

One of the most daunting obstacles I faced was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you might share similar feelings of apprehension. On the day I moved into my accommodation, just days before the term officially kicked off, I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the most incredible friends I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with people who were equally anxious.

So, what did I come to understand? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, fret not! There will be ample ice-breaking occasions and chances to connect with others. Most significantly, I learned that authenticity is paramount. With so much diversity within the course and the university, you’re sure to find those who relate to you.

### Addressing the Academic Workload

Another key challenge was adapting to the academic demands and the complexity of the material. There was undeniably a marked increase from A-levels, and the shift from the first to the second term proved even more arduous. Being thrust into such a rigorous academic atmosphere can sometimes shake your self-assurance. You may observe others studying and feel inadequate. However, here’s the truth: everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp something, it’s likely that others are too. The best piece of advice I can offer is to seek assistance. This is perhaps the most vital lesson I gleaned in my first year—never hesitate to reach out for support from your classmates and faculty.

### The Significance of Support from Faculty

On the topic of faculty, I cannot stress enough how wonderful the Materials department is. The staff genuinely care about your success and recognize the difficulties students encounter. They are incredibly compassionate and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year. While I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, I regret not doing so earlier.

At the outset of the year, I took a step forward by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff better, which turned out to be extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and doing so can greatly enrich your university experience. My key takeaway from this aspect of university life is to fully utilize the support that’s accessible to you. You can never receive too much assistance!

### Concluding Thoughts

In summary, this year has taught me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was largely misplaced. With the extensive range of support available from both faculty and fellow students, I learned that I was never genuinely alone. More importantly, I discovered how to strike a balance between enjoying myself and navigating the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.

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