**Reflecting 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 that awaited me. I was on the verge of starting my first-year adventure 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 quite reserved and shy, plunging into this new phase seemed quite intimidating. Now, reflecting on the last academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and, most importantly, enjoyment! But what precisely have I gained from this year, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most anxiety-inducing obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. This is a concern many incoming students have, and I was no different. On my initial day settling into accommodation, just days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all originated from casual conversations with others who were experiencing the same feelings.
So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking a risk at the onset of the year is invariably rewarding. If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others. Above all, I learned that authenticity is crucial. With such a diverse array of personalities within the course and the university, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with you.
### Managing the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant transition from A-levels, and an even greater shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into this environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re not keeping pace. But here’s the reality: everyone is facing the same challenges. If you’re grappling with a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The best piece of advice I can offer is to seek assistance. This may be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year—don’t hesitate to reach out to classmates and faculty for help!
### Fostering Connections with Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the professors in the Materials department are remarkable. They truly wish for your success and understand the hurdles students encounter. They relate to us and maintain open communication throughout the academic year. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support available until late in the year, and I regret not doing so earlier.
At the year’s start, I took the initiative and became a well-being representative for my year. This opportunity enabled me to connect with the staff, which turned out to be tremendously beneficial. There are various opportunities to build rapport with faculty, and I wholeheartedly suggest taking advantage of them. My primary insight? Don’t hesitate to utilize the support that’s accessible to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
To summarize, this year has shown me that the trepidation I experienced leading up to and during university was mostly baseless. With the extensive range of support options available from both staff and peers, I quickly came to understand that I was never alone. More significantly, I learned how to balance having fun with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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