**Reflecting 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 overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was on the brink of starting 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 someone who has always been introverted and reserved, jumping into university life felt like a significant challenge. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize a time of substantial personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments. But what have I really learned, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Friend Making
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered at the outset was making new friends. If you’re a prospective student, this may be a concern for you too. On my first day moving into my accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can confidently state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, all beginning with simple conversations with those who were feeling just as I was.
So, what was my takeaway? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year pays off. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with people. Most importantly, I learned that being true to yourself is essential. With such a diverse range of personalities among the students and within the university, you are certain to find individuals who resonate with you.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the course material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and a much larger jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such an environment can easily shake your self-assurance, especially when you observe others studying and feel like you’re lagging behind. But here’s the reality: everyone is facing the same struggles. If something doesn’t make sense to you, it’s likely others are confused too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This is probably the most crucial lesson I learned during my initial year—always seek help from your classmates and professors.
### The Significance of Faculty Support
Speaking of faculty, the educators in the Materials department are outstanding. They sincerely want you to thrive and recognize that students encounter difficulties. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open regarding any problems we were experiencing. I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral assistance until the end of the year, but I wish I had started that earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I stepped out of my comfort zone by taking on the role of a well-being representative for my year group. This position allowed me to connect more with the faculty, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to interact with staff, and taking advantage of these can significantly enrich your university journey. My principal message here is to make the most of the support provided—you can never have too much aid!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt before and during university was largely misplaced. With the abundant support from both faculty and fellow students, those fears can be easily alleviated. I’ve realized that I’m never alone in facing difficulties, and I’ve found a balance between enjoying myself amidst the unavoidable stress of examinations and deadlines.
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**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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