**Contemplations 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 anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the journey ahead. I was about to begin my adventure 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 previously been shy and introverted, plunging into this new phase was intimidating. However, upon reflection, I see a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a significant amount of enjoyment! So, what insights have I gained from this journey, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re a prospective student tuning in, this may be a concern for you as well. On the first day of moving into my accommodation, just days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to step out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can assert that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever known. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all sprang from casual conversations with others who were in similar situations.
What did I learn? I came to understand that making that initial move at the beginning of the year is vital. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker events and chances to interact with others. Most importantly, just be authentic. With so many diverse individuals across the course and university, you’re sure to find those with whom you connect.
### Addressing the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic demands and the complexity of the material. There was a clear jump from A-levels, and an even greater leap from the first to the second term. Being thrust into such an environment can shake your self-assurance, especially when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging. But here’s the reality: everyone is experiencing similar feelings. If you don’t grasp something, it’s likely that others don’t either. So, seek assistance. This is probably the most crucial lesson I took away from my first year. Don’t hold back from asking your peers or faculty for help.
### The Value of Faculty Support
Speaking of faculty, the instructors in the Materials department are exceptional. They truly want students to thrive and are mindful of the challenges we encounter. Over the year, they consistently communicated with us, addressing our issues and providing support. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the tail end of the year, and I wish I had discovered it earlier.
At the start of the year, I bravely stepped into the role of well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to build closer connections with the staff, which proved invaluable. There are abundant ways to engage with the faculty, and it’s one of the best actions you can take for yourself. My main takeaway is to utilize the available support systems. You can never have too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has demonstrated to me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was largely baseless. There are numerous support resources available, both from staff and peers, to alleviate those worries. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to balance having fun with 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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