**Reflecting on My Initial Year in 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 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 freshman. For someone who had always been timid and introverted, plunging headfirst into this new journey felt intimidating. Now, as I reflect, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what precisely did I discover, and where do I stand now?

One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is often one of the most intimidating aspects of starting university, and if you’re a future student reading this, it’s likely something that concerns you as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before term commenced, I spent the entirety of the day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can confidently assert that I’ve developed some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever had—both here at the university and within my program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others who were experiencing the same feelings as I was.

So, what have I come to learn? I realized that taking that initial jump at the start of the year is vital. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, that’s perfectly fine! There will be countless ice-breaker activities and occasions to connect with others. Most importantly, I discovered that being authentic is essential. With the diverse range of individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with you.

Another substantial challenge was adapting to the workload and complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant enhancement compared to A-levels, and the transition from the first to the second term felt even more pronounced. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can shake your self-assurance, especially when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re falling short. What buoyed me through this period was the reassurance that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If something is difficult to grasp, chances are others are equally perplexed. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This might be the most critical lesson to absorb in your first year—don’t shy away from asking for assistance from your peers or faculty!

Speaking of faculty, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students face challenges. They empathize with our situations and engage in ongoing communication throughout the year to tackle any concerns. I didn’t fully capitalize on the support available until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had been more proactive earlier. At the beginning of the year, I took the bold step of becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with the staff, which was incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and this is one of the best things you can do for your well-being! My foremost takeaway from this experience is to fully utilize the resources available to you—there’s no such thing as too much assistance.

In summary, this year has taught me that much of the anxiety I felt before and during university was often unwarranted. With the wide range of support available from staff and fellow students, I’ve come to understand that I’m never truly alone. Most importantly, I’ve learned how to enjoy my time while managing the inevitable pressures from exams and deadlines.

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

*Categorised under: Uncategorised*

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