**Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and doubts about what the future held. 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. Venturing into the unknown was not something my previously timid and reserved self was familiar with. Now, as I reflect on this past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, trials, and plenty of enjoyment. But what have I discovered, and where do I find myself now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. For many incoming students, this is among the most frightening facets of commencing university, and I was no different. On my initial day in student housing, merely a few days before classes started, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to others.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly declare that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced. Here at Imperial, and within my program, I’ve discovered a second family. All it took was stepping outside my comfort zone and engaging in small conversations with others who were in a similar situation.
So, what did I take away from this experience? I learned that making an early effort is always rewarding. If you’re not prepared or at ease right away, don’t panic—there will be many icebreaker events and chances to bond with others. Most importantly, I found that being true to yourself is essential. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to meet individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was evident, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more profound. Entering such an academically challenging environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel like you’re lagging behind.
What aided me in these instances was the acknowledgment that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you’re grappling with a concept, chances are others are too. The most crucial lesson I learned in my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether from peers or faculty, reaching out for aid can be transformative.
### The Remarkable Support from Faculty
Speaking of assistance, the faculty in the Materials department are truly extraordinary. They sincerely wish for their students to thrive and are acutely aware of the challenges we face. Throughout the year, they kept communication open and demonstrated understanding toward the difficulties we encountered.
Although I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, I wish I had started earlier. At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to foster connections with staff members, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with faculty, and I strongly encourage capitalizing on these. My key takeaway here? Don’t hesitate to utilize the support available to you—there’s no such thing as too much help!
### Key Takeaways
Reflecting on this year, I’ve realized that the anxiety I experienced before beginning university—and even during the year—was largely unfounded. With the extensive support available from both faculty and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone.
I’ve acquired the ability to manage stress from exams and deadlines alongside moments of joy and enjoyment. Most importantly, I’ve learned that taking chances, confronting challenges, and relying on the community surrounding me can result in remarkable growth and unforgettable memories.
If you’re an incoming student reading this, understand that the journey ahead may seem overwhelming, but it’s also brimming with chances to learn, develop, and flourish. Take that plunge—you will not regret it.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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