**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, fear, and uncertainty regarding my future. 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) at Imperial College London. As someone who had consistently been introverted and shy, diving into such an environment was quite unfamiliar to me. Looking back now, I can see a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments. So, what insights has this year provided, and what is my current state?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the first and most intimidating challenges I encountered was the process of making friends. If you are a future student reading this, you might share similar feelings of angst. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, days ahead of the term’s commencement, I spent an entire day cloistered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Now, I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all initiated with casual conversations with others who were in the same situation.
What did this teach me? I learned that taking that first step is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease immediately, that’s perfectly fine! There are numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to help forge connections with others. Most importantly, I discovered that being your authentic self is the best approach. With such a diverse crowd across the course and university, you are sure to connect with those who align with you.
### Managing the Academic Load
Another major obstacle was adapting to the coursework and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a marked increase from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more striking. Being thrust into such an atmosphere can be detrimental to your self-esteem. You might observe others studying and feel inadequate. However, here’s what supported me: remembering that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something is unclear, chances are others are grappling with it too. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson I absorbed during my first year—reach out to your classmates and faculty when you require help!
### The Significance of Faculty Support
Regarding faculty, the backing from the Materials department has been outstanding. They sincerely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter hurdles. Throughout the year, they kept us updated about any difficulties we were experiencing. I did not fully utilize the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken more advantage of it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I embraced the role of a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect with the staff on a deeper level, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are various avenues to engage with staff, and it’s one of the most advantageous actions you can undertake for yourself. My main takeaway from this experience is to fully utilize the available support. You can never have too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has taught me that the anxious feelings I experienced—both before and during my university journey—were often misplaced. With the vast array of support available from staff and other students, those worries can be mitigated. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve mastered the art of balancing enjoyment 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*
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