**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
A decade ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was set to begin my path 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 an individual who had always been introverted and cautious, stepping into this situation was far from easy. Reflecting now, I recognize that this academic year has been filled with personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what precisely did this year impart to me, and what is my present situation?
### Building Friendships: The Initial Major Challenge
One of the most intimidating tasks I encountered was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most fearsome parts of beginning university, and if you’re a potential student reading this, it might be a concern for you as well. On my first day moving into my residence, mere days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to now, and I can assure you that I’ve developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced, both within my program and throughout the university. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it merely required stepping beyond my comfort zone and engaging in casual conversations with people who were also seeking connection.
So, what insight did I gain? I learned that it’s always beneficial to leap into socialization at the start of the academic year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker activities and chances to meet others. Most importantly, I discovered that being authentic is crucial. With so many diverse individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to encounter others who resonate with your interests and values.
### Confronting the Workload and Academic Challenges
Another major obstacle was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the course material. I certainly noticed a significant increase in difficulty from A-levels and an even steeper rise from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a demanding atmosphere can sometimes undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel like you’re lagging behind. However, one thing that reassured me was reminding myself that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something challenging, it’s likely that others are just as perplexed. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This could very well be the most crucial lesson I learned in my first year—reach out to your classmates and faculty when you require help!
### Support from the Faculty
On the topic of faculty, the professors in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to excel and recognize that students encounter hurdles. Throughout the year, they fostered open communication with us and were consistently sympathetic to our challenges. I didn’t fully exploit the available pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the beginning of the academic year, I took a leap by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty more effectively, which has proven invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and doing so is among the best decisions you can make for yourself. My main takeaway from this experience is to fully utilize the support provided—you can never receive too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
Overall, this year has taught me that the anxiety I felt prior to and during university was mostly exaggerated. There are a multitude of support systems available, from faculty to fellow students, that can help alleviate your concerns. I’ve come to understand that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve uncovered how to balance having fun with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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