**Musings 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 enveloped in a mix of anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was about to begin my adventure 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 had always been introverted and reserved, plunging into this new phase of my life seemed daunting. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a period of significant personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forging new friendships. If you are a prospective student, this might be a concern for you as well. On my inaugural day of moving into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with a few brief conversations with individuals who were just as apprehensive as I was.
So, what did I discover? I learned that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is undoubtedly beneficial. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There will be countless ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I came to understand that being true to yourself is crucial. With a diverse mix of people in the course and university, you’re certain to find those who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Challenges
Another major challenge was acclimating to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more dramatic. Being thrust into such a setting can occasionally shake your self-assurance, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as if you’re lagging.
What got me through this was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something hard to grasp, it’s likely that others are in the same situation. The most vital lesson I learned during my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether it’s from your classmates or the teaching staff, don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.
### Help from the Faculty
This leads me to my next point: the faculty in the Materials department are remarkable. They sincerely desire for you to excel and recognize the obstacles students encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication, addressing our issues and providing support. I didn’t make full use of the pastoral resources until the year concluded, but I wish I had acted on it sooner.
At the outset of the year, I took a chance by stepping into the role of a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to connect with the faculty better, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with the staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university journey. My key takeaway from this facet of university life is to leverage the support options accessible to you. You can never have too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on the year, I’ve learned that the anxieties I held before and during university were mostly unwarranted. With the vast array of support provided by both staff and fellow students, I realized that I was never genuinely alone. Most importantly, I discovered how to balance enjoyment with the unavoidable pressure 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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