**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 gripped by nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. I was about to begin 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. Being inherently shy and reserved, the thought of fully immersing myself felt overwhelming. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been a period of personal development, challenges, and immense enjoyment! But what insights have I gained this year, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most anxiety-inducing obstacles I encountered was the challenge of making friends. If you’re a potential student, this might be a concern for you as well. On the day I moved into accommodation, a few days ahead of the term’s start, I spent the entire time retreating to my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet new people. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was some light conversation with individuals who shared my situation.
So, what did I discover? I realized that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always rewarding. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t be concerned! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I learned that embracing your authentic self is vital. With a diverse group of people in the course and university, you’re sure to find those who vibe with you.
### Coping with the Academic Workload
Another challenge was adapting to the academic demands and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was certainly noticeable, and an even steeper climb occurred from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an academic atmosphere can sometimes shake your confidence, particularly when observing others engage in study and feeling inadequate in comparison. However, here’s the truth: everyone is navigatng this together. If something is unclear to you, chances are that others are also grappling with it.
The most significant lesson I gleaned during my first year was the importance of seeking help. Whether from classmates or faculty members, reaching out for assistance is essential. You aren’t expected to possess all the knowledge, and teamwork is fundamental to achieving success.
### The Value of Faculty Support
On the topic of faculty, the professors in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely care about student success and are well aware of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us and demonstrated empathy towards our challenges. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the end of the academic year, I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to cultivate relationships with the faculty, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My main takeaway? Make the most of the assistance that is accessible to you. You can never have too much support!
### Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was largely unwarranted. There is a plethora of support available from both faculty and fellow students, and you are never truly on your own. I have discovered how to balance enjoying my time with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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