**Thoughts on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was about to embark on my path 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 always been introverted and quiet, stepping into the unknown felt daunting. Now, as I look back on the past academic year, I recognize a journey marked by personal development, obstacles, and numerous joyful instances. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. For many new students, this is frequently one of their primary worries when entering university. On my first day in student accommodation—just a few days prior to the start of term—I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, far too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to others.
Now, looking back, I can wholeheartedly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced. These connections have become my second family during my time at Imperial, and it all initiated with brief conversations with others who were just as apprehensive as I was.
What did I take away from this? Firstly, taking a leap of faith at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not prepared or at ease, do not fret—numerous icebreaker events and chances to mingle with others will arise. Secondly, the most beneficial thing you can do is simply be yourself. With such a varied group of individuals at university, you’re destined to encounter others who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the course materials. The leap from A-levels to university was apparent, and the transition from the first term to the second proved even more intense. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and doubt your capabilities, especially when observing others studying and assuming they have everything under control.
What assisted me in maneuvering through this? Reminding myself that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find yourself grappling with a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The critical aspect is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or teaching staff. Learning to request help is arguably the most crucial skill to cultivate during your first year.
### Fostering Connections with Faculty
On the subject of support, the faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely desire for students to thrive and understand the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they fostered open communication with us, addressing our issues and providing support.
Although I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support available until later in the year, I regret not doing so earlier. Initially, I took the initiative by becoming a year well-being representative, a position that enabled me to establish connections with faculty members. This turned out to be an invaluable opportunity. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university journey. My most important lesson? Make the most of the resources and support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this year, I’ve come to understand that the anxiety I felt—both prior to and during my university experience—was often misplaced. The extensive array of support options, from faculty to fellow students, made a significant difference. I’ve realized that I’m never truly solitary and that it’s entirely possible to enjoy university life even amidst the stresses of exams and deadlines.
In conclusion, my first year at Imperial has been a transformative journey. It has been a year of development, resilience, and connections, and I eagerly anticipate what the future will bring.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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