**Reflections on My First Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Written 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 in store for me. I was on the verge of starting my degree 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) as a first-year student. Embracing the unknown was not something my previously introverted and reserved nature was familiar with. Now, reflecting back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating hurdles I encountered early on was the process of making friends. If you’re a prospective student reading this, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation—just days before the term officially kicked off—I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too afraid to step out and meet new people. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently claim I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, both here at this university and in my program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it required was a bit of casual conversation with others who were feeling the same way.
So, what have I learned? I realized that taking that first step at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re not feeling ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be an abundance of ice-breaker activities and chances to socialize. Most importantly, I learned that authenticity is crucial. With so many different individualities throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter people who connect with you.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was acclimatizing to the academic demands and the complexity of the material. There was definitely a significant transition from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger shift from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such a high-pressure setting can easily undermine your confidence. You might observe others studying and start to feel inferior. But here’s what assisted me: keeping in mind that everyone is facing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost promise that your peers are grappling with it too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance! This could be the most vital lesson for first-year students. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your classmates or faculty.
### Assistance from the Faculty
On the subject of faculty, the staff in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely aspire for your success and recognize that students encounter challenges. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us and were always understanding of our issues. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until late in the year, and I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to establish better connections with the staff, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. My main insight here is to fully utilize the support that’s accessible to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has taught me that the anxiety I experienced before and during university was largely unwarranted. With the abundance of support offered by both faculty and fellow students, I discovered that I’m never genuinely alone. More importantly, I learned how to strike a balance between enjoying myself 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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