**Reflections on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety, dread, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was on the verge 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) at Imperial College London. As an individual who has always been introverted and reserved, the prospect of immersing myself fully was intimidating. Now, as I reflect on the previous academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal growth, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what insights has this year provided, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most anxiety-inducing hurdles I faced was forming friendships. This concern plagues many incoming students, and I certainly experienced it too. On my initial day moving into my residence, just days ahead of the term commencing, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to the present, and I can assertively say that I’ve forged some of the most cherished friendships of my life. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and all it required was stepping outside my comfort zone and engaging in small talk with individuals who were experiencing similar sentiments.
What insight did I gain from this? I realized that taking that initial leap at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaking activities and chances to interact with others. Above all, I learned that authenticity is crucial. With a diverse array of people within the course and the university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with your vibe.
### Confronting the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the subject matter. The leap from A-levels was quite significant, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being thrust into such a rigorous environment can occasionally undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging. However, one aspect that aided me was the realization that everyone is navigating similar waters. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, it’s likely that others are too. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This became the most vital lesson of my first year—reaching out to classmates and faculty for help is crucial.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Regarding faculty, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They sincerely desire for their students to flourish and possess a clear understanding of the hurdles we face. Throughout the academic year, they maintained ongoing communication, addressing our worries and providing help. Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral resources until late in the year, I wish I had taken advantage of them earlier.
At the year’s outset, I took an initiative by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to build relationships with the staff, which proved invaluable. There are numerous avenues for connecting with faculty, and doing so can have a tremendous impact on your university journey. My main takeaway is to fully utilize the resources available to you—there’s no such thing as excessive support!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that the anxiety I felt before and during university was mostly unfounded. With the vast array of support accessible from both the faculty and my peers, I’ve come to understand that I’m never truly alone. More importantly, I’ve learned how to strike a balance between enjoying my time and managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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