**Insights from 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 feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was about to embark on 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. Having always considered myself shy and introverted, immersing myself in this new phase felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the last academic year, I recognize a journey filled with personal evolution, challenges, and enjoyable experiences. But what lessons did this year impart, and where do I stand now?

### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends

One of the most daunting challenges I encountered at the outset was forging friendships. If you’re an upcoming student perusing this, it’s likely a concern you share as well. On my first day settling into my residence, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to step outside and connect with others. Fast forward to the present, and I can affirm that I’ve cultivated some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, all stemming from brief conversations with peers who shared my apprehensions.

So, what have I gleaned? I realized that taking the initiative early in the year is vital. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others. Above all, be authentic. With such a diverse community throughout the course and the institution, you are sure to find those who align with you.

### Navigating the Academic Demands

Another major challenge was acclimatizing to the academic demands and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a clear escalation from A-levels, and the transition from the first to the second term proved even more arduous. Being immersed in such a rigorous academic setting can occasionally undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind. However, here’s what bolstered me: acknowledging that everyone is navigating similar struggles. If you find yourself confused, it’s likely others are too. The key lesson I derived from my first year was the importance of seeking assistance—whether from classmates or faculty.

### The Value of Support

Speaking of faculty, I cannot stress enough how incredible the staff in the Materials department are. They sincerely care about your success and recognize the challenges students encounter. Throughout the year, they kept us well-informed regarding any difficulties we faced. I didn’t fully tap into the available pastoral support until much later, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.

At the beginning of the year, I took a step forward by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to build stronger connections with the staff, which proved to be immensely valuable. There are various avenues to engage with staff, and building these relationships is one of the best things you can do for yourself. My main takeaway is to leverage the support on offer—you can never have too much assistance!

### Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, this year has shown me that the trepidation I felt before and during university was mostly unfounded. With the multitude of support available from both faculty and fellow students, I was never genuinely isolated. I’ve learned to strike a balance between enjoying myself and handling the unavoidable stress from exams and deadlines.

Reflecting back, I take pride in the strides I’ve made, and I am eagerly anticipating what the future brings.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
*Tagged: [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [Featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [First Year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [Imperial College London](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)*

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