**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**

*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*

Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed by nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding my upcoming journey. I was about to start 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. As someone who had always been introverted and reserved, jumping into this new phase of life felt daunting. Now, reflecting on the previous academic year, I can recognize the growth I’ve achieved, both personally and academically. It’s been a year filled with hurdles, self-discovery, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what have I learned, and what’s my current position?

### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships

One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered at the outset of university was making friends. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you might share the same feelings. On my inaugural day in student accommodation, just before the semester commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Fast forward to now, and I can say with confidence that I’ve forged some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever had. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all began with casual conversations and connecting with fellow students who were experiencing similar feelings.

So, what’s the takeaway? The crucial step is to make that first move, even if it feels awkward. If you’re not quite ready right off the bat, don’t stress—there will be an abundance of ice-breaker events and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With a diverse array of personalities and backgrounds at university, you’re bound to encounter individuals who resonate with you.

### Adjusting to the Academic Demands

Another notable challenge was adapting to the academic demands and the heightened complexity of the material. There was a clear escalation from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more significant. It’s easy to feel inundated and question your capabilities when observing others working diligently, but keep in mind, everyone is navigating the same waters. If something is unclear to you, there’s a strong likelihood that others are grappling with it too. The most valuable advice I can offer is to reach out for assistance. This is perhaps the single most vital lesson I absorbed during my first year—don’t hesitate to solicit help from your classmates and the teaching staff.

### The Value of Faculty Support

On the topic of staff, the faculty within the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely wish to see students thrive and understand the challenges we face. Throughout the academic year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, addressing our worries and providing support. I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral assistance available until later in the year, but I regret not doing so earlier.

At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to establish connections with faculty members, which proved invaluable. There are numerous avenues to familiarize yourself with the faculty, and I strongly encourage leveraging these opportunities. My primary lesson from this experience is to maximize the support available to you—there’s no such thing as excessive help!

### Concluding Thoughts

Overall, this year has revealed to me that the apprehension I felt prior to starting university—and even during the year—was largely unwarranted. With the vast support offered by both staff and peers, I realized that I was never genuinely alone. More importantly, I learned how to balance the pressures of exams and deadlines while also enjoying my time at university.

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

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