**Reflections on My First Year Studying Materials Science and Engineering**
*Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was on the verge of commencing 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. For someone who had always been introverted and withdrawn, entering such a new and demanding environment seemed daunting. Now, as I reflect, I see a year filled with development, challenges, and numerous unforgettable experiences. But what lessons have I drawn from this year, and where do I currently stand?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was establishing friendships. If you’re a future student reading this, you might be feeling similarly—it’s completely normal to be apprehensive about meeting new people. On my first day in student accommodation, just days prior to the official start of term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself.
Fast forward to now, and I’m pleased to say I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, both within my course and beyond. All it required was stepping beyond my comfort zone and initiating small conversations with those who were also new to this experience.
What did I take away from this? Taking that first step at the beginning of the year is vital. If you’re not yet ready or comfortable, fret not—there are countless icebreaker events and chances to meet others. Most importantly, I learned to stay true to myself. With such a diverse population at university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the course material. The leap from A-levels to university was significant, and the transition from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or doubt your competence when observing peers studying or excelling.
What aided me was the reminder that everyone is in the same situation. If you find something perplexing, chances are you’re not alone. Seeking help became one of the most essential lessons I learned during my first year. Whether it’s reaching out to fellow students or faculty, seeking assistance is crucial for overcoming academic hurdles.
### Support from Faculty
Speaking of support, the faculty in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely care about student success and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they fostered open communication with us and responded to our concerns.
Although I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until late in the year, I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. Taking on the role of a year well-being representative was one of the wisest choices I made. It enabled me to cultivate relationships with faculty members, which proved invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway? Embrace the support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Looking back on the past year, I’ve come to understand that the anxiety I experienced before starting university—and even throughout the year—was frequently unwarranted. There is a wealth of support accessible, both from faculty and fellow students, to assist you in navigating challenges.
This year has demonstrated to me that I’m never truly alone, even when circumstances are tough. It has taught me how to manage stress from exams and deadlines while still enjoying moments of joy and fun. Most significantly, it has been a year of personal growth, and I’m eager to see what lies ahead.
*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)*