**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the upcoming journey. I was on the verge of starting 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. For someone who had always been introverted and reserved, diving into this new experience felt intimidating. Reflecting back on a year replete with growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment, I can ponder on the lessons I’ve learned and my current position.
### Building Friendships: The Initial Major Hurdle
One of the most anxiety-inducing aspects of starting university was forging friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, this could be one of your principal worries as well. On my first day at student housing, a few days prior to the official term start, I spent the entire day retreating in my room, too daunted to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve connected with some of the finest friends I’ve ever had. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, born from casual conversations with fellow students who felt just as apprehensive as I did.
What did I take away from this? I realized that taking the initiative at the beginning of the year is always invaluable. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there will be plenty of ice-breaker events and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, I discovered that authenticity is essential. With a diverse range of personalities across the course and university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Confronting the Academic Demands
Another prominent challenge was adapting to the volume of work and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a clear transition from A-levels, and an even steeper incline from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a setting can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when observing others studying and feeling as though you’re lagging behind. However, what helped me navigate this was the reassurance that everyone shares similar experiences. If you find something perplexing, it’s likely others are in the same boat. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your first year—reach out to your classmates and faculty when you require support!
### Assistance from the Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the instructors in the Materials department are outstanding. They sincerely wish for your success and recognize that students encounter challenges. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open about any obstacles we faced. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until later in the year, but I wish I had embraced them sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took a step forward by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to develop a closer relationship with the staff, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My main takeaway here is to fully leverage the support offered to you. There’s no such thing as too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was mostly unwarranted. With the abundant support from both faculty and peers, those feelings of anxiety can be diminished. I’ve learned that I’m never truly on my own, and I’ve figured out how to enjoy my time while also managing the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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