**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the journey ahead. I was on the verge of beginning my path 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. For someone who had consistently been shy and introverted, plunging headfirst into this new phase felt daunting. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a good deal of enjoyment. But what precisely have I gleaned from this year, and where do I find myself now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
A significant challenge I confronted initially was the task of making connections. If you’re a potential student reading this, you may be experiencing similar feelings of trepidation. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly assert that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals who were equally anxious.
What have I taken away from this experience? I came to understand that taking that first step of faith is essential. If you’re not ready or entirely at ease right away, it’s perfectly okay! There are an abundance of ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I discovered that being your authentic self is vital. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge lay in adapting to the academic demands and the heightened complexity of the material. There was a clear leap from A-levels, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated and question your capabilities when you observe others studying, but it’s crucial to remember that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you’re grappling with a concept, chances are others are as well. The best course of action is to seek assistance—either from your classmates or the faculty. This is likely the most important insight I gained in my first year: don’t shy away from asking for help.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the support from the Materials department has been remarkable. They genuinely desire for students to thrive and fully understand the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept avenues of open communication with us, addressing any issues we raised. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.
At the year’s beginning, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to connect with the staff more deeply, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the faculty, and I strongly recommend doing so. My most significant takeaway from this endeavor is to leverage the support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt prior to and during university was largely misplaced. With the abundant support accessible from both faculty and fellow students, those fears can be alleviated. I’ve learned that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve figured out how to strike a balance between enjoying university life while managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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