**Reflecting on My Initial Year: An Expedition of Growth and Exploration**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the road ahead. I was on the verge of starting my degree 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) as a freshman. For someone who has always been introverted and reserved, diving into an unfamiliar environment was quite intimidating. Now, as I reflect on an academic year rich with personal growth, obstacles, and enjoyable moments, I can appreciate how much I’ve developed and how far I’ve come. But what exactly has this past year taught me, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered was forging new friendships. If you’re a future student reading this, you might be feeling the same anxiety. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days prior to term starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, far too daunted to step outside and introduce myself. Fast forwarding to today, 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 began with casual conversations with others who shared my feelings.
So, what did I gain from this experience? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always rewarding. If you’re not feeling ready or at ease, no need to fret! Numerous ice-breaking events and occasions to meet others exist. Most importantly, I learned that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals across the program and the university, you’re likely to find others who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another notable challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was particularly intense. Being immersed in this environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when observing others studying and fearing you’re lagging behind. But here’s the reality: everyone is experiencing the same concerns. If you find something perplexing, it’s likely others are grappling with it too.
The key takeaway I learned in this context is the importance of seeking assistance. This might be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your classmates or the faculty when you require help!
### The Value of Support from Staff
On the subject of staff, I cannot emphasize enough how extraordinary the Materials department team is. They sincerely wish for your success and recognize the challenges that students face. Throughout the year, they maintained open communication with us and were consistently understanding of our difficulties. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until the year was drawing to a close, but I wish I had done so earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to familiarize myself with the staff, which was tremendously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and I highly encourage this engagement. My primary takeaway here is to fully embrace the support offered—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Reflections
In sum, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was mostly unfounded. With the extensive range of support available from faculty and fellow students, I’ve come to realize that I am never truly alone. I’ve also learned how to juggle having fun with the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
By tackling the hurdles and embracing the opportunities that came my way, I’ve matured in unexpected ways. As I look forward to the upcoming academic year, I am eager to continue this path of learning, growth, and self-exploration.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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