**Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself enveloped in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what the future held. 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 a bit introverted and reserved, immersing myself in this new phase of life felt overwhelming. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I see a time of significant personal development, challenges, and numerous joyful experiences. But what did I truly learn, and where do I currently find myself?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Socializing
A major challenge I encountered initially was the pursuit of new friendships. If you’re a potential student reading this, you might be experiencing similar feelings of apprehension. On my first day of settling into my accommodation, just days prior to the term starting, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had—friends who feel like a second family. All it took was initiating conversation with a few fellow newcomers who shared my feelings.
What did I take away from this? I discovered that taking that first step is essential. Even if you feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret—there will be ample ice-breaker events and chances to connect. Most importantly, I learned that authenticity is vital. With the diverse personalities within the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with you.
### Managing the Academic Demands
Another major obstacle was adapting to the coursework load and the complexity of the subject matter. There was a significant increase from A-levels, and an even steeper jump from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a challenging environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind.
What guided me through this was the realization that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you find something difficult to grasp, it’s likely that others are too. The most crucial lesson I learned in my first year is the importance of seeking help. Whether it’s from classmates or faculty, reaching out is vital.
### Assistance from Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the staff in the Materials department is outstanding. They genuinely desire for students to thrive and fully understand the challenges we encounter. They empathize with our struggles and maintain consistent communication throughout the year to tackle any issues. I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until later in the year, and I regret not doing so sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect better with the faculty, which ended up being an invaluable experience. There are numerous ways to foster relationships with the staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university journey. My key takeaway? Make the most of the support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
To summarize, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced before and during university was largely misplaced. With the extensive support available from both staff and fellow students, help is always at hand when needed. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and I have learned how to balance enjoying my time with the unavoidable stresses of exams and deadlines.
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**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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