**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with trepidation, fear, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was on the brink of starting 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. Having always been quiet and introverted, plunging into the unknown felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. But what did I actually take away from this experience, and what’s my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forging Friendships
One of the earliest, and perhaps most anxiety-inducing, challenges I encountered was the task of forming new friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, you might share similar concerns. I certainly did. On my first day of moving into student housing, only a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too daunted to go out and meet others.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all kicked off with casual conversations with those who were experiencing the same situation as me. What did this teach me? I realized that taking that initial step is essential, even if it feels challenging. If you’re not yet ready, don’t fret—there will be a plethora of social events and chances to engage with others. Most crucially, I learned the importance of being authentic. Surrounded by a diverse array of individuals at the university, you’re sure to connect with those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Workload
Another major challenge was adapting to the volume of work and the complexity of the course material. There was definitely a clear shift from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more striking. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and doubt your abilities, particularly when you observe others handling things well.
But here’s the reality: everyone experiences similar struggles. If you find yourself grappling with a concept, chances are others are as well. The most valuable lesson I learned this past year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether it’s from classmates or academic staff, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Reaching out is not a weakness; it’s a vital component of the learning journey.
### The Exceptional Support Staff
On the subject of help, I cannot emphasize enough how incredible the staff in the Materials department are. They sincerely desire your success and recognize the hurdles students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained frequent communication with us, addressing our issues and offering support.
I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support options until late in the year, and I wish I had engaged sooner. At the year’s start, I made the bold decision to become a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to connect with the staff on a deeper level, which proved immensely beneficial. There are various ways to establish rapport with the staff, and I wholeheartedly encourage doing so. My key takeaway here is to take full advantage of the support systems in place. You can never receive too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has illuminated for me that the anxiety I felt—both before and during my university experience—was largely misplaced. With the extensive support from both staff and fellow students, those feelings of apprehension can be alleviated. I’ve realized that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve learned how to strike a balance between enjoying my time and managing the inherent stress of examinations and deadlines.
**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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