**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 overcome with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what the future held. 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 a bit shy and reserved, diving into this new phase felt intimidating. However, in retrospect, I view this academic year as a period of significant personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most anxiety-provoking experiences I encountered was the task of forming friendships. If you are a prospective student perusing this, it’s probably a concern for you as well. On my very first day moving into my accommodation, just a few days ahead of the term commencement, I spent the entire day in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I am pleased to say that I have formed some of my closest friendships—friends who truly feel like family.
What did I take away from this experience? I came to understand that taking that first step is vital. Even if you feel unprepared or uncomfortable, there will be numerous ice-breakers and activities designed to help you meet others. Most importantly, I discovered that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse community at the university, you’re sure to connect with those who share your vibe.
### Addressing the Academic Challenges
Another major obstacle was adapting to the academic workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a jump from A-levels, and an even larger transition from the first to the second term. It’s easy to feel inundated and doubt your capabilities when witnessing others studying and appearing to excel. Nevertheless, a crucial reminder that helped me was knowing that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something challenging, it’s likely that others do as well. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This has been perhaps the most pivotal lesson I learned in my first year—never shy away from asking for help from your peers and faculty.
### The Significance of Support from Faculty
On the topic of faculty, the members in the Materials department are truly exceptional. They sincerely desire for students to thrive and understand the challenges we encounter. They show empathy and maintain open communication throughout the year. Although I didn’t fully utilize the support services until the end of the academic year, I regret not doing so earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took the initiative to become a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to connect with the staff on a deeper level, which proved extremely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to foster relationships with faculty, and this is one of the best investments you can make for yourself. My key takeaway here is to fully embrace the support that is available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt before and during my time at university was largely misplaced. With the vast support from both faculty and fellow students, I learned that I was never truly alone. More importantly, I discovered how to juggle the enjoyment of university life with the unavoidable stresses of exams and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
*Tagged: [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [first year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [Imperial College London](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)*