**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 found myself overwhelmed with anxiety, dread, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree 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) as a first-year student, and the idea of plunging into something entirely unfamiliar was quite daunting for someone like me, who has always been somewhat introverted. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I realize it has been a journey filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment. But what lessons have I gleaned from this year, and how have I evolved?

### Forming Friendships: The Initial Challenge

One of the most anxiety-inducing parts of commencing university was the task of making new friends. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be among your top worries too. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just a few days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day avoiding interaction in my room, feeling too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever known. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all originated from casual chats with individuals in similar situations.

So, what did I take away from this? I learned that taking risks at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease straight away, don’t fret—there will be an abundance of ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most significantly, I discovered that embracing your authentic self is crucial. With such a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.

### Confronting the Academic Workload

Another major obstacle was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant leap from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger jump between the first and second terms. Being thrust into such a challenging environment can unsettle your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re falling short.

What assisted me in navigating this was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, chances are there are others who feel just as lost. This leads me to one of the most vital lessons of my first year: don’t hesitate to seek help. Whether from your fellow students or faculty, reaching out is an essential skill to cultivate early on.

### Assistance from the Faculty

Speaking of faculty, the team within the Materials department is exceptional. They truly care about your success and comprehend that students encounter difficulties. Throughout the year, they fostered open dialogue with us, addressing our worries and providing support. I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until later in the year, but I regret not doing so sooner.

At the year’s onset, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to engage with the staff more deeply, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are countless ways to connect with faculty, and I strongly recommend pursuing these interactions. My most significant insight from this experience is to fully leverage the support offered to you—there’s no such thing as excessive assistance!

### Concluding Thoughts

In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt before and during university was frequently unwarranted. With the extensive range of support available from both faculty and fellow students, I was never truly isolated. I’ve learned how to balance enjoyment with the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines, and I’m thankful for the personal development I’ve undergone throughout this journey.

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