**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 overwhelmed with nervousness, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to begin 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 introverted and shy, leaping into something so fresh and unfamiliar felt intimidating. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyable moments. But what exactly have I gleaned from this year, and what is my current position?

### Conquering the Anxiety of Friend-Making

One of the most anxiety-inducing obstacles I encountered was the challenge of forging new friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you might be experiencing similar trepidation. On my first day settling into my accommodation, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had. I discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals who were just as anxious as I was.

So, what lesson did I take away? I learned that making a bold move at the beginning of the year is vital. Even if you feel unprepared, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, embrace your true self. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to encounter those who resonate with your interests and values.

### Navigating the Academic Workload

Another major challenge was acclimating to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear shift from A-levels, and an even greater jump from the first term to the second. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and doubt your capabilities when observing others studying, but it’s essential to remember that everyone shares similar struggles. If something confuses you, chances are, others are experiencing the same. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson I gleaned during my first year—never hesitate to reach out to your classmates or the faculty for guidance.

### The Value of Support from Faculty

Speaking of faculty, the professors in the Materials department are exceptional. They sincerely want their students to thrive and are cognizant of the challenges we face. Throughout the year, there was ongoing dialogue between students and faculty regarding any issues we experienced. Although I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the year’s end, I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.

At the outset of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to connect with the faculty more closely, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can substantially enrich your university experience. My key takeaway is to seize all available support—you can never have too much assistance!

### Concluding Thoughts

In summary, this year has illuminated the fact that the anxiety I felt before entering university, and even throughout the year, was largely unfounded. With a plethora of support resources provided by both staff and fellow students, I learned that I was never on this journey alone. More importantly, I discovered how to balance the enjoyment of my university life with the necessary management of the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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