**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 was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting 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. As someone who has always been introverted and withdrawn, immersing myself in this new phase felt daunting. Now, reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period of personal development, various challenges, and a considerable amount of enjoyment. But what exactly have I learned this year, and where do I stand now?

### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections

One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. If you are an incoming student reading this, you may share the same concerns. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just before the term commenced, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can assert that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and all it took were a few moments of casual conversation with others who were experiencing similar situations.

What did I take away from this experience? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I learned that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse range of personalities across the course and university, you are sure to encounter individuals who connect with you.

### Navigating the Academic Demands

Another major challenge was acclimating to the workload and the heightened difficulty of the material. There was undeniably a significant leap from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can shake your confidence, particularly when observing others studying and feeling like you’re lagging behind. But here’s the truth: everyone is facing similar challenges. If something isn’t clear to you, it’s likely that others are struggling too.

The most crucial lesson I grasped in my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether it’s from your classmates or the faculty, reaching out when you’re facing difficulties is vital. Do not hesitate to acknowledge when you require help—everyone is here to support one another.

### Encouragement from the Faculty

Speaking of support, I must highlight the incredible faculty in the Materials department. They truly want you to excel and comprehend that students encounter obstacles. Throughout the year, they kept in touch with us regularly, addressing our concerns and providing assistance. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support offered until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had made better use of it earlier.

At the year’s outset, I took a chance and became a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the faculty better, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are myriad ways to foster connections with your lecturers and tutors, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your personal growth. My primary takeaway? Utilize the assistance and support available to you—you can never have too much!

### Concluding Thoughts

Reflecting on this year, I’ve learned that the anxiety I experienced before and during university was largely unfounded. With the abundant support from both faculty and fellow students, there’s no reason to feel isolated. I have learned how to manage the stress of exams and deadlines while enjoying my time here, and I’ve developed in ways I never anticipated.

By Dawson La

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