**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, anxiety, and doubt regarding what was to come. I was on the verge 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 somewhat introverted, diving into this new experience felt quite intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past year, I recognize it as a period marked by personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most nerve-racking obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re a future student perusing this, it’s likely a concern you share. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just a few days prior to term commencing, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to today, and I can affirm that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, which all began with brief conversations with individuals who were experiencing similar feelings.
So, what insights did I gain? I came to understand that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, fear not—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. Most crucially, I learned that authenticity is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and the university, you are certain to find those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Addressing the Academic Demands
Another challenge I needed to navigate was the workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was noticeable, and the shift from the first term to the second appeared even more demanding. It’s easy to feel inundated and question your capabilities when observing others studying and seemingly mastering everything. However, a helpful reminder for me was that everyone is facing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s likely others are grappling with it too. The important thing is to reach out for assistance—whether from classmates or faculty. This is perhaps the most significant lesson I gained during my first year: don’t hesitate to ask for support.
### The Value of Staff Support
On the topic of support, I must highlight how exceptional the staff in the Materials department are. They genuinely wish for your success and recognize that students encounter various challenges. Throughout the year, they maintained consistent communication with us, responding to our queries and providing guidance. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier.
At the year’s start, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to connect with the staff more intimately, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to interact with the staff, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for your well-being. My primary lesson? Utilize the support that’s at your disposal. You can never receive too much help!
### Concluding Reflections
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced before and during university was mostly unfounded. With a broad array of support options from both staff and peers, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned to manage the stress of exams and deadlines while still finding enjoyment, and I’ve grown in ways I never anticipated.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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