**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
In October 2022, I was overwhelmed with a blend of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the brink of starting 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 someone who has always been introverted and quiet, plunging into this new phase felt intimidating. However, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. But what precisely has this year imparted to me, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered at the beginning of university was forming friendships. For many incoming students, this often ranks among the largest concerns. On my first day of moving into my residence—just days before classes started—I spent all day in my room, too anxious to go out and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had. Here at Imperial, especially within my program, I’ve discovered a second family.
What insights did I gain from this experience? I came to understand that taking a leap of faith at the beginning of the year is crucial. Even if you aren’t feeling prepared or at ease, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others. And most importantly, be authentic. With such a variety of personalities throughout the program and university, you will undoubtedly find individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Managing the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was acclimating to the workload and the complexity of the course material. There was undeniably a significant shift from A-levels, and an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being plunged into such a demanding academic setting can occasionally shake your self-assurance, particularly when you observe others seemingly managing it effortlessly. It’s easy to feel inadequate.
However, the reality is: everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find yourself grappling to comprehend something, it’s likely that others are too. The best advice I can offer is to seek assistance. This is arguably the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year—don’t hesitate to reach out to your classmates and instructors when you need help.
### The Value of Support from Faculty
Regarding faculty, I cannot stress enough how exceptional the Materials department staff are. They genuinely wish for your success and understand the challenges students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained regular communication with us, providing assistance and addressing our questions. I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until late in the year, and I regret not doing 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 connect with the staff, which proved to be tremendously beneficial. There are numerous avenues to forge relationships with faculty, and doing so can substantially enrich your university experience. My most significant takeaway is to fully leverage the support offered to you—there’s no such thing as receiving too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on this past year, it has shown me that the apprehension I originally felt before and during university was largely unwarranted. With the extensive support available from both staff and fellow students, that anxiety can be mitigated. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone on this journey and I’ve discovered how to harmonize enjoyment with managing the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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