**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about the future. 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 has always been somewhat introverted and quiet, embarking on this new adventure felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the last academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, numerous challenges, and most importantly, an abundance of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current status?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the first and most daunting hurdles I encountered was the task of making new friends. If you’re an incoming student, this might also be a concern for you. On my initial day settling into my living space—just days ahead of the term beginning—I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve established some of the finest friendships of my life. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and it all initiated with a few straightforward conversations with others who were equally apprehensive.
What did I take away from this experience? I understood that it’s always beneficial to take that first step at the beginning of the year. Even if you feel unprepared or uneasy, there’s no need to fret—numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others will arise. Most crucially, I learned that authenticity is essential. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and campus, you’re likely to encounter those who resonate with your interests and beliefs.
### Managing the Academic Load
Another major obstacle was adjusting to the academic demands and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a clear increase from A-levels, and an even more substantial jump from the first term to the next. It can be easy to feel inundated and second-guess your capabilities when observing others fervently studying. However, I found solace in remembering that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you struggle to comprehend something, chances are that others are feeling the same. The key lesson I absorbed during my first year was to seek assistance—be it from classmates or faculty. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when the going gets tough.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the support from the staff in the Materials department has been exceptional. They genuinely care about our success and acknowledge the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication with us open, addressing our issues and providing direction. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the year, but in hindsight, I wish I had capitalized on it earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to connect more closely with the staff, which has proven invaluable. There are countless ways to foster relationships with the faculty, and doing so can immensely enhance your university experience. My most significant takeaway from this is to seize the available support—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced before embarking on my university journey—and even throughout the year—was mostly unfounded. With the vast array of support accessible from both staff and peers, I realized I was never isolated. I also discovered how to juggle the stress stemming from exams and deadlines while fostering enjoyment, thus maximizing my university experience.
By Dawson La
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