**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 engulfed in nerves, apprehension, and ambiguity regarding what awaited me. I was about to commence 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. Having always been somewhat shy and reserved, plunging into the unknown was unfamiliar territory for me. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I realize it was a time of significant personal development, challenges, and memorable experiences. But what exactly did I glean from this year, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. If you’re a potential student reading this, it could be a concern for you as well. On my first day moving into my residence, just days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve cultivated some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and it all commenced with a little chit-chat with others in a similar situation.
So, what have I discovered? I came to understand that taking a risk at the onset of the year is essential. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease immediately, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaking activities and events tailored to help you engage with others. Most importantly, I learned that being authentic is vital. With such a varied group of individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Demands
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a distinct leap from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being thrust into this environment can shake your confidence, particularly when observing others studying and feeling as though you’re falling short. But here’s the reality: everyone is experiencing this together. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost promise that others are wrestling with it too. The best action you can take is to seek assistance. This is arguably the most critical lesson I acquired in my first year—don’t shy away from reaching out to your peers or the faculty for guidance.
### The Value of Support from Faculty
On the topic of staff, the faculty in the Materials department is remarkable. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students encounter obstacles. Throughout the year, they kept in close communication with us, addressing our issues and providing support. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral care resources available until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of them earlier.
At the year’s beginning, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to connect with the staff more thoroughly, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to cultivate relationships with the faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. My key takeaway from this experience is to fully leverage the help that’s accessible to you. You can never have too much support!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has demonstrated that the anxiety I felt before and during university was mostly misplaced. There are abundant support networks in place—from faculty to fellow students—that can help mitigate those fears. I’ve learned that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve figured out how to balance having fun with managing the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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