**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, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty consumed me regarding the road 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. As someone who had always been introverted and quiet, diving into this experience felt daunting. Now, reflecting on the last academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and abundant joy. But what lessons did this year impart, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating obstacles I faced was the task of making new friends. If you’re an incoming student perusing this, you might be experiencing similar concerns. On my first day settling into my accommodation, just prior to the start of the term, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too terrified to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve built a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others in the same situation.
So, what insights did I gain? I realized that taking a chance from the outset of the year is invariably rewarding. Even if you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret—numerous ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others will present themselves. Most importantly, I discovered that authenticity is crucial. With such a diverse group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re guaranteed to encounter those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Managing the Academic Load
Another major challenge was getting accustomed to the academic workload and the complexity of the course materials. The transition from A-levels was undeniably significant, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being thrust into such a demanding academic environment can easily undermine your confidence. You might observe others studying and think you’re not measuring up. However, here’s what supported me: remembering that everyone faces similar struggles. If something isn’t clear, I can nearly assure you that others are grappling with it as well. The most vital lesson I absorbed in my first year was the importance of seeking assistance—whether from colleagues or faculty members.
### The Value of Staff Support
On the topic of staff, the Materials department at Imperial is exceptional. The professors and support personnel genuinely wish for your success and are aware of the hurdles students encounter. They maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year, addressing our issues and providing assistance. I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support offered until the end of the year, and I regret not utilizing it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a brave step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect more closely with the staff, which has proven immensely beneficial. There are countless ways to engage with faculty, and doing so is one of the best choices you can make. My primary takeaway from this journey is to leverage the support that’s available to you—you can never have too much help!
### Concluding Reflections
To summarize, this year has shown me that the trepidation I experienced before and during university was largely misplaced. There exists an abundance of support systems, ranging from staff to peers, that can alleviate those worries. I’ve learned that I’m never truly alone and that enjoying university life amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines is entirely feasible.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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