**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Nearly ten months ago, back in October 2022, I experienced a mix of anxiety, fear, and ambiguity regarding the path ahead. I was on the verge of commencing 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. For someone who had always been introverted and reserved, facing the unfamiliar felt quite overwhelming. Now that I reflect on the year gone by, I recognize it as a period filled with personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what lessons have I drawn from this year, and what is my current state?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
A major source of intimidation for me at the beginning was the task of forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be a concern you share. On the day I moved into my accommodation, right before the term kicked off, I found myself spending the entire day in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to the present, and I can enthusiastically affirm that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, all initiated through brief conversations with individuals who were experiencing similar feelings.
So, what has this taught me? It revealed that making that first move is always worthwhile. If you feel unprepared or uneasy initially, that’s completely normal! Numerous ice-breakers and events are organized to facilitate connections with others. Most importantly, remain authentic to yourself. With a diverse array of individuals across the university, you’re sure to find those who click with you.
### Addressing the Academic Demands
Another considerable challenge I encountered was adjusting to the academic demands and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels was significant, and the shift from the first to the second term proved even more formidable. Being immersed in such a setting can sometimes shake your self-assurance, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging. However, here’s an important truth: everyone is navigating similar waters. If you find yourself puzzled by a topic, it’s a safe bet that others are too. The essential step is to seek help. This may well be the most crucial lesson I grasped in my first year—never hesitate to reach out to fellow students or faculty when you require assistance.
### Assistance from the Faculty
On the subject of faculty, the instructors in the Materials department are remarkable. They sincerely want to see you thrive and are fully aware of the challenges students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained ongoing communication with us, addressing our worries and extending their support. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral care until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had seized the opportunity earlier.
At the onset of the year, I took a courageous step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position allowed me to connect with the staff in a deeper way, which proved invaluable. There are myriad ways to engage with faculty, and this is among the best actions you can undertake for your own benefit. My key insight from this experience is to fully leverage the support that is available to you. There’s never such a thing as too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxieties I harbored prior to and during university were mostly unwarranted. There exists a multitude of support systems, from both faculty and fellow students, ready to assist you in navigating the challenges ahead. I’ve come to realize that I’m never truly solitary, and I’ve learned how to strike a balance between enjoying life and managing the inevitable pressures of examinations and deadlines.
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**By** [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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