**Reflections on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of embarking on 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. As an individual who had always been introverted and quiet, the prospect of immersing myself in university life felt challenging. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I can appreciate how much I’ve evolved—through obstacles, personal growth, and immense enjoyment! But what exactly has this year imparted to me, and what is my current standing?
### Forming Connections: The Initial Major Hurdle
One of the most anxiety-inducing aspects of commencing university was forming friendships. If you’re a future student reading this, it may resonate as one of your primary worries. On my first day of moving into dorms, just days ahead of the semester, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently say I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced—both within my program and throughout the university. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial.
So, what have I gleaned? I came to understand that taking a leap at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there are numerous ice-breaker events and chances to meet others. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With such a variety of personalities on campus, you’re sure to encounter individuals who align with your interests and values.
### Confronting the Academic Demands
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was indeed a leap from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more marked. It’s easy to become daunted in such an atmosphere, especially when observing others studying and starting to doubt your own capabilities.
What supported me during this time was the realization that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you find something confusing, it’s likely that others are grappling with it as well. The fundamental lesson here? Don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Whether from classmates or academic staff, reaching out for help is arguably the most essential skill to cultivate in your first year.
### Assistance from the Faculty
On the topic of staff, the faculty in the Materials department is phenomenal. They genuinely desire for students to thrive and are acutely aware of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open and were always understanding of our concerns.
I didn’t fully capitalize on the available pastoral support until the year’s end, and I regret not doing so earlier. At the outset of the year, I took one risk by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to establish rapport with the staff, which proved invaluable. There are numerous ways to connect with the faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My takeaway? Take full advantage of the support that exists—you can never receive too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was largely baseless. With the extensive support offered by both staff and peers, I’ve realized that I’m never genuinely alone. More crucially, I’ve learned how to strike a balance between having fun and 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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