**Reflecting 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 what was to come. I was about 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 someone who has always been introverted and reserved, stepping into the unknown felt daunting. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a phase of significant personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what insights has this year provided me, and how do I feel now?
One of the earliest and most daunting obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. Often, this is one of the most intimidating aspects of starting university, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may also be a concern for you. On my first day moving into my lodging, a few days prior to the official start of the term, I spent the entirety of the day hiding in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet anyone. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly assert that I’ve made some of the most amazing friends I could have hoped for. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with others who were feeling just as I was.
So, what have I learned? I realized that it’s always beneficial to take that initial step. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous icebreakers and activities specifically aimed at helping you connect with others. Most importantly, I discovered that being authentic is crucial. With such a varied array of people across the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with your interests and values.
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was clearly a significant increase from A-levels, and an even larger jump from the first term to the second. Being placed in such an environment can shake your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and feel like you’re lagging behind. But here’s the truth: everyone is experiencing the same situation. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that others are grappling with it as well. The most vital lesson I learned during my first year was the importance of asking for assistance. Whether it comes from your classmates or the faculty, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Speaking of faculty, the instructors in the Materials department are truly remarkable. They sincerely care about your success and comprehend the difficulties students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, addressing our queries and providing support. I didn’t fully utilize the wellbeing support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a wellbeing representative for my class. This role enabled me to connect with the staff more deeply, which proved invaluable. There are numerous ways to cultivate relationships with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My primary takeaway from this experience is to make the most of the support that is accessible to you—there’s no such thing as too much assistance!
In general, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt, both before and during university, was mostly unwarranted. With the plethora of support options available from both staff and fellow students, those feelings of unease can be mitigated. I’ve learned that I am never truly alone, and I’ve found a way to balance having fun with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
*Tagged: [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [Featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [First Year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [Imperial College London](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)*