**Thoughts 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 experienced a mix of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty as I geared up to start 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). For someone who had always been introverted and quiet, venturing into the unknown felt daunting. Now, reflecting on this previous academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, hurdles, and lots of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gathered, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Finding Friends
One of the most daunting elements of starting university was the challenge of making friends. If you’re a future student, this might be one of your main worries as well. On the day I moved into my accommodation—just a few days prior to the start of term—I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too anxious to go out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever known.
The pivotal moment arrived when I chose to step beyond my comfort zone and initiate small conversations with others who were feeling just as I was. That straightforward action led to the creation of a second family here at Imperial. My recommendation? Take that plunge early. If you’re not quite ready right away, don’t stress—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with peers. Most importantly, simply be yourself. With such a varied group of individuals in your course and throughout the university, you’re sure to find others who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Shift
Adapting to the workload and academic demands was another considerable hurdle. The leap from A-levels to university was evident, and the shift from the first semester to the second felt even more challenging. It’s easy to feel daunted or question your capabilities when you observe others studying and thriving. However, one thing that assisted me was the awareness that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re having difficulty grasping something, it’s likely that others are as well.
The crucial lesson here? Don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Whether it’s from your classmates or the teaching staff, asking for help is a vital skill to cultivate during your first year.
### Fostering Relationships with Faculty
Speaking of support, the faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They truly wish for their students to succeed and understand the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they upheld open lines of communication with us and were always eager to address our issues.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until later in the year, I regret not doing so sooner. Assuming the role of a well-being representative for my year was one of the positive steps I took at the beginning of the year, and it ended up being a fulfilling experience. It enabled me to forge connections with faculty members, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to get acquainted with the staff, and I strongly encourage making the most out of these opportunities. The assistance they provide is there for a significant reason—don’t hesitate to utilize it!
### Lessons from This Year
Looking back, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt—both prior to starting university and throughout the year—was often unfounded. There’s a wealth of support available, whether from faculty or fellow students, to help you navigate through difficulties. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone and that balancing exam stress and deadlines with moments of happiness and enjoyment is entirely feasible.
As I progress, I’m thankful for the personal growth I’ve achieved and the relationships I’ve established. For anyone about to embark on their own university adventure, remember: take the leap, seek assistance, and most importantly, savor the experience.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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