**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the brink 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). Being naturally shy and introverted, plunging into university life felt like an intimidating challenge. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyable moments! But what insights have I gained, and where am I now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting hurdles I encountered was establishing friendships. For many, this is a particularly frightening element of commencing university, and if you are a future student reading this, it’s likely something that concerns you as well. On my first day of moving into my residence, just a few days prior to the term starting, I found myself cloistered in my room all day, far too anxious to venture out and meet others.
Fast forward to now, and I am pleased to assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships of my life. At Imperial, and within my course, I’ve discovered a second family. All it required was a little casual conversation with individuals who were experiencing similar feelings. So, what insight did I gain? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take that initial step at the beginning of the year. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress! There will be ample opportunities for ice-breakers and events aimed at helping you mingle with others. Most crucially, I learned that authenticity is essential. With a wide array of individuals at the course and university, you are sure to find those with whom you connect.
### Addressing the Academic Demands
Another considerable obstacle was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a clear increase from A-levels, and an even more significant jump from the first semester to the second. Being immersed in such a rigorous academic setting can sometimes undermine your confidence. You may observe peers studying and feel inadequate in comparison.
What assisted me in overcoming those feelings was the reminder that everyone shares similar challenges. If you struggle to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are wrestling with it too. The most pivotal lesson I learned during my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Don’t hesitate to reach out to classmates or faculty when you’re having difficulties!
### Help from the Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the professors in the Materials department are truly remarkable. They sincerely want to see students thrive and recognize that challenges are a part of the journey. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us regarding any issues we encountered. I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the year’s conclusion, but I wish I had taken advantage of them sooner.
At the year’s outset, I decided to step up and became a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to forge closer relationships with the faculty, which proved to be extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with the staff, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. My key takeaway from this experience is to fully utilize the support that is accessible to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Reflections
In summary, this year has revealed to me that the anxiety I felt before and during university was mostly unfounded. There are abundant support systems in place, ranging from faculty to fellow students, that can help alleviate those worries. I’ve realized that I’m never entirely on my own, and I’ve learned how to strike a balance between enjoying life and managing the inevitable 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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