**Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, dread, and uncertainty regarding what awaited me. I was preparing to begin my path as a freshman 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. Being naturally shy and reserved, stepping into the unfamiliar was not my usual practice. Now, reflecting on my first year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself at this moment?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was the pursuit of new friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this could be a concern for you as well. On my inaugural day of moving into the residence, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, I can assertively claim that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had, both within my program and throughout the university.
I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, with it all commencing from brief conversations with others who shared my situation. What did I realize? Taking that first step is always worthwhile. If you find yourself unready or uneasy initially, don’t fret! Numerous ice-breakers and events are designed to facilitate connections. Most importantly, simply be yourself. With such a vibrant community at Imperial, you’re sure to encounter individuals who relate to your interests and beliefs.
### Managing the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was a clear escalation from A-levels, and an even steeper increase from the first term to the second. Being thrust into this scenario can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when observing peers studying and feeling as if you’re lagging behind.
What aided me during this period was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, it’s likely that others are as well. Thus, do not hesitate to seek assistance. This might be the most vital lesson from my first year: reach out for help from your classmates and faculty. You aren’t expected to have all the answers immediately, and there’s no embarrassment in asking questions.
### Assistance from Faculty
On the subject of faculty, the professors in the Materials Science department are truly remarkable. They earnestly wish for your success and are acutely aware of the challenges faced by students. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open with us, addressing our worries and providing direction.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the support available until later in the year, and I wish I had engaged with it earlier. At the start, I did take a chance by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This opportunity enabled me to connect more with the faculty, which proved to be extremely beneficial. There are numerous ways to interact with faculty, and I strongly recommend doing so. My primary takeaway is to leverage the support available to you—there’s no such thing as excessive help!
### Concluding Reflections
In conclusion, this year has illustrated to me that the anxiety I experienced before and during my university journey was largely unfounded. With the extensive support available from both faculty and fellow students, assistance is always accessible. I’ve learned that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve figured out how to balance enjoying my time while managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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