**Looking Back on My First Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*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 future. I was about to begin 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 a naturally shy and reserved person, stepping into this new adventure was intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyable moments. So, what exactly did I gain from this experience, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most daunting tasks I encountered was the challenge of forming new friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, you likely share similar concerns. On my first day settling into student housing, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, feeling too scared to emerge and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with a little casual conversation with those who were experiencing the same initial apprehensions as me.
So, what did I take away from this? The essential step is to take the plunge at the beginning of the year. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breaking events and chances to mingle with others will arise. Above all, be authentic. With such a wide array of individuals in the program and the university, you’re sure to find people who resonate with your interests and beliefs.
### Managing the Academic Demands
Another considerable challenge was adjusting to the rigorous workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase in difficulty compared to A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more stark. Being suddenly immersed in such a demanding environment can sometimes disrupt your confidence. You may witness others studying diligently and feel like you’re lagging behind or inadequate.
What assisted me in navigating this was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are grappling with it as well. The most crucial lesson I absorbed in my first year was to seek assistance. Whether it’s from classmates or faculty, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
### The Value of Support from Staff
This leads me to my next point: the faculty in the Materials department are amazing. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize the challenges that students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us and were compassionate toward our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had sought it out earlier.
At the year’s onset, I stepped out of my comfort zone by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This role enabled me to connect more with the staff, which turned out to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to foster relationships with faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself. My main takeaway? Take full advantage of the support at your disposal. There’s no such thing as too much help!
### Concluding Reflections
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the anxious feelings leading up to and during university are often misplaced. With abundant support from both faculty and fellow students, you’re never on your own. I’ve learned how to find a balance between having fun and managing the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines. Most importantly, I’ve come to realize that university is a space for growth, and taking those first steps can result in some of the most fulfilling experiences.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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