**Reflecting on 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 ambiguity regarding the path ahead. I was on the verge of starting 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) at Imperial College London. As someone who had always been introverted and quiet, the prospect of plunging into university life felt intimidating. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and a good deal of enjoyment. But what lessons have I drawn, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most anxiety-inducing hurdles I encountered was forging new friendships. This is a concern that many incoming students share, and I was no different. On my first day in student housing, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day in my room, too fearful to emerge and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with a simple conversation with others who were experiencing similar feelings.
So, what insights did I gain? I discovered that taking that first step is essential. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease initially, don’t fret! There are numerous ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Above all, be authentic. With a plethora of diverse individuals across the program and university, you’re sure to find companions who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Managing the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic load and the complexity of the material. There was a notable leap from A-level studies, and the transition from the first to the second term felt even more daunting. Being thrust into such a setting can disrupt your self-assurance, especially when observing peers studying and feeling as though you’re lagging behind. However, a helpful reminder for me was recognizing that everyone is navigating the same situation. If you’re struggling to grasp something, it’s likely that others are facing similar difficulties. The crucial factor is to seek assistance. This is perhaps the most vital lesson I learned during my first year—never hesitate to reach out for support from your classmates and the faculty.
### The Significance of Assistance from Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is outstanding. They truly care about students’ success and are acutely aware of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they fostered open communication with us and showed genuine empathy for our challenges. Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the end of the year, I regret not utilizing it sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a year well-being representative. This role provided me with the opportunity to foster connections with staff members, which turned out to be immensely valuable. There are many ways to engage with the faculty, and I wholeheartedly encourage making the most of these opportunities. My primary takeaway from this experience is to leverage the resources available to you—there’s no such thing as too much assistance!
### Concluding Reflections
In conclusion, this year has taught me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was largely exaggerated. With the extensive support options available from both staff and fellow students, I swiftly realized that I was never isolated in my challenges. Most importantly, I learned how to maintain a balance between the stress of exams and deadlines while enjoying myself, truly maximizing my university experience.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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