**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Back in October 2022, I was filled with apprehension, dread, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to start 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 someone who had always been quite introverted, plunging into this new experience felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past year, I recognize it has been a time of significant personal development, challenges, and lots of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current state?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting hurdles I encountered was forging friendships. If you are an incoming student, this is likely a concern for you as well. On my initial day settling into my accommodation, just prior to the term commencing, I spent the whole day retreating in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, which all began with casual conversations with people who were experiencing similar feelings.
So, what has been my takeaway? I learned that taking the initiative at the start of the year is always a rewarding endeavor. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease immediately, that’s perfectly fine! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most crucially, I realized that being your authentic self is the best approach. With a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and the university, you are sure to find those who align with your interests and values.
### Coping with the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the intensity of the material. There was undeniably a noticeable increase from A-levels, and the transition from the first to the second term felt even steeper. Being thrust into this new setting can sometimes shake your self-assurance, especially when observing others studying and feeling as though you are lagging behind. However, it’s important to understand that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The essential takeaway is to seek assistance. This may be the most critical lesson I gathered during my first year—don’t hesitate to reach out to your fellow students and faculty for support.
### The Significance of Staff Support
Regarding staff, the team within the Materials department is truly outstanding. They genuinely care about your success and recognize that students encounter various challenges. Throughout the year, they kept in constant touch with us about any problems we were experiencing. I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I had leveraged it much earlier.
At the year’s beginning, I took a bold step and became a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to connect with the staff more effectively, which proved invaluable. There are numerous avenues to establish rapport with faculty, and it is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My most significant takeaway from this experience is to fully leverage the available support. You can never receive too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has taught me that the anxiety I felt leading up to and during university was frequently unwarranted. There are numerous support systems in place, from both faculty and fellow students, to mitigate those feelings. I’ve realized that I am never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to harmonize enjoying university life with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
*Tagged: [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [Featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [First Year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [Imperial College London](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)*