**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
A little under a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, anxiety, and uncertainty about the road ahead. I was on the verge of embarking on 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. For someone who had always been quiet and unassuming, stepping into the unknown was far from what I was accustomed to. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a time filled with significant personal development, obstacles, and numerous unforgettable experiences. So, what insights has this year provided me, and where am I now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Friendships
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered at the beginning of university was the task of forging friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you might relate to the same concern. On my first day in student housing, just days prior to the commencement of term, I spent an entire day tucked away in my room, too afraid to venture out and meet others.
Fast forward to this moment, and I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever known. These bonds have developed into my second family here at Imperial, and they all commenced with casual conversations with individuals who were equally anxious.
What did I take away from this? Making that initial move at the start of the year is vital. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, there’s no need for concern—there will be ample mixers and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, just remain true to yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to discover people who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another notable challenge was adjusting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the course material. The leap from A-levels to university was striking, and the transition from the first term to the second felt even more rigorous. It’s simple to feel inundated or question your skills when you observe others studying and apparently thriving.
What aided me in overcoming this was the understanding that everyone is facing similar struggles. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The pivotal point is to reach out for assistance—be it from your classmates or the faculty. This could be the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year: don’t hesitate to ask for help.
### The Value of Supportive Faculty
Speaking of assistance, the faculty in the Materials department are remarkable. They truly desire for students to thrive and show understanding towards the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open and offered numerous resources for support.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until late in the year, and I wish I had engaged with it earlier. At the beginning of the year, I made a bold choice by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to strengthen connections with faculty members, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are multiple ways to engage with staff, and doing so can have a tremendous impact. My most significant lesson? Utilize the help and resources available to you—there’s no such thing as too much support.
### Key Takeaways
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt before and even during university was frequently exaggerated. With a broad spectrum of support from both faculty and fellow students, I came to realize that I was never truly isolated.
I also discovered the art of balancing the stress of exams and deadlines with moments of happiness and enjoyment. University is not solely about academics; it’s about personal evolution, cultivating relationships, and maximizing the experience.
Looking back, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and eager for the future that awaits.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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