**Reflections on My Inaugural 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 what was to come. I was on the brink of beginning 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. For someone who had always been quiet and introverted, stepping into this new phase felt akin to jumping into the deep end. Reflecting on the past year, it has been filled with personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what have the experiences of this year enlightened me on, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was the challenge of making friends. For numerous new students, this often becomes one of the largest sources of stress upon commencing university, and I was certainly not an exception. On my initial day of moving into residence, just days ahead of the term starting, I spent the entire time cooped up in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to my peers. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had—friends who feel like an extended family.
What prompted this change? It all began with casual conversations. I came to realize that everyone else was experiencing similar feelings, just as keen to meet others but equally apprehensive. The essential lesson for me was to take a chance early in the process. Even if you feel unprepared, there are numerous icebreaker events and chances to engage with others. And most crucially, simply be yourself. Given the vast diversity at Imperial, you are bound to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Addressing the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the volume of work and the intricacy of the coursework. The transition from A-levels to university was significant, and the leap from the first term to the second term was even more pronounced. It can be easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities, particularly when observing others seemingly flourishing.
What assisted me in navigating this was the understanding that everyone experiences difficulties at some point. If you’re struggling with something, it’s likely that others are too. The most beneficial action you can take is to seek assistance—be it from your classmates or the faculty. Learning to ask for help is arguably the most crucial skill to cultivate during your first year.
### The Value of Support and Community
On the subject of support, the staff within the Materials department are remarkable. They sincerely wish for students to thrive and are understanding of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained clear communication with us, addressing our issues and providing guidance.
I didn’t make full use of the available pastoral support until the end of the academic year, and I regret not utilizing it sooner. At the beginning of the year, I took a step forward by serving as a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to forge connections with staff members, which turned out to be priceless. There are multiple avenues for engaging with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway here is to fully leverage the support frameworks in place for you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Looking back on my first year, I’ve come to realize that the apprehension I felt—both prior to starting university and throughout the year—was frequently unfounded. There exists a wealth of support available, whether from faculty or fellow students, to help you overcome difficulties. I’ve discovered that I am never genuinely alone and that it’s feasible to manage the stress of exams and deadlines while also savoring moments of joy and fun.
This year has been a transformative odyssey, and I am eager to see what the future has in store as I continue my studies in Materials Science and Engineering.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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