**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 engulfed in apprehension, fear, and uncertainty about what awaited me. 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. For someone who had always been introverted and withdrawn, plunging into such a fresh and formidable atmosphere felt daunting. Now, as I reflect on my initial academic year, I perceive it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Fostering Friendships
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. If you are a prospective student reading this, it’s probably a concern for you as well. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days prior to the official start of term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to now, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had—friends who feel like an additional family.
What did I take away from this experience? I concluded that taking a bold step at the beginning of the year is invariably worthwhile. Even if you may not feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaking activities and events aimed at helping you bond with others. Most importantly, I discovered that being authentic is the best strategy. With a diverse array of individuals in the course and university, you are sure to encounter those who connect with you.
### Navigating the Academic Burden
Another major challenge was adjusting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant leap from A-levels, and the shift from the initial term to the second felt even more pronounced. Being thrust into such an environment can unsettle your confidence, especially when you observe peers studying and feel like you’re lagging behind.
What aided me during this period was recognizing that everyone shares similar feelings. If you are struggling to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The most vital lesson I learned in my first year was to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or faculty. It’s imperative to keep in mind that you’re not isolated in your challenges.
### The Value of Support from Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the backing from the Materials department has been remarkable. The professors and staff genuinely wish for your success and are fully aware of the obstacles students encounter. They exhibit empathy and keep open lines of communication throughout the year to tackle any concerns we might have.
Although I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. At the start of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff better, which has been exceptionally beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My key message here is to leverage the support that is accessible to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced before and during university was mostly unfounded. With the extensive support from both staff and fellow students, I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone. More importantly, I’ve discovered ways to balance having fun with addressing the inevitable stress that comes from exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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