**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 overwhelmed with nerves, apprehension, and uncertainties about what awaited me. I was on the brink of commencing my journey as a freshman 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 introverted, jumping into this new phase of life seemed intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I can appreciate how much I’ve evolved, the obstacles I’ve surmounted, and the enjoyment I’ve experienced. So, what insights has this year imparted to me, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered at the beginning of university was forging friendships. If you’re a potential student reading this, you may be feeling similarly. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the start of the term, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, far too anxious to step out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known. Here at Imperial, and within my program, I’ve discovered a second family.
What did this experience teach me? I recognized that taking that first leap of faith is essential. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease initially, don’t fret—there will be ample ice-breakers and activities to assist you in connecting with others. And most importantly, always be yourself. With such a diverse array of people across the university, you’re bound to encounter those who align with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Load
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant transition from A-levels to university, and an even larger leap from the initial term to the latter. Being thrust into such a demanding environment can shake your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and begin to question your capabilities.
What helped me navigate this was remembering that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. If you find something difficult, chances are others are grappling with it too. The most crucial lesson I gleaned in my first year was to seek assistance—whether from peers or staff. Don’t shy away from reaching out.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Speaking of staff, the faculty in the Materials department is remarkable. They truly want students to thrive and are acutely aware of the hurdles we encounter. They show empathy towards us and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year to address any issues. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took a chance by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to connect with the staff more, which was tremendously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and I highly advocate for seizing these opportunities. My greatest takeaway here is to never hesitate to take advantage of the support accessible to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Remarks
In summary, this year has imparted the lesson that the anxiety I experienced before and during university was often unwarranted. Numerous support systems are in place, ranging from staff to fellow students, that can alleviate those worries. I’ve discovered that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve learned to balance having fun with managing the inevitable stress of exams and deadlines.
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