**Reflections 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 engulfed in anxiety, apprehension, and a lack of clarity regarding the future. I was on the verge of starting 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. As someone who has always been somewhat introverted, plunging into this new phase felt overwhelming. Now, reflecting on the previous academic year, I recognize a significant time of personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what have I gleaned from this year, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the foremost and most daunting hurdles I confronted was making new friends. For numerous newcomers, this represents one of the most stressful features of beginning university, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it might already be a concern for you. I vividly recall my first day settling into accommodations, a few days ahead of the term starting officially. I spent the entire day retreating to my room, too anxious to go out and meet others.
Flash forward to now, and I can assertively state that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had here at Imperial. I’ve discovered a second family, both within my program and across the institution. All it required was stepping beyond my comfort zone and engaging in light conversation with those who shared similar experiences.
So, what did I discover? I learned that it’s always rewarding to take that initial plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease right away, don’t fret! There will be abundant ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most crucially, I learned that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse group of individuals at university, you’re sure to find peers who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic load and the complexity of the coursework. There was certainly a discernible leap from A-levels, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. Being placed in such a setting can, at times, rattle your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re not keeping pace.
What assisted me during this period was the realization that everyone shares similar struggles. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, it’s likely others are battling with the same content. The most vital lesson I absorbed during my inaugural year was the importance of seeking assistance. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your classmates or academic staff when you’re in a bind.
### The Value of Support from Faculty
On the topic of faculty, I cannot emphasize enough how fantastic the Materials department is. The instructors and tutors genuinely wish for your success and recognize the obstacles students encounter. They maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year and are always ready to address our concerns.
I didn’t fully utilize the supportive resources available until the waning months of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier. At the year’s onset, I did take a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my peer group. This position provided me an opportunity to connect more deeply with the staff, which proved invaluable. There are myriad ways to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university journey. My greatest takeaway is to fully leverage the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced before starting university, and even throughout the year, was largely unwarranted. There are numerous support systems available, ranging from faculty to fellow students, that can help alleviate those fears. I’ve come to understand that I’m not alone in confronting challenges, and I’ve also mastered the art of balancing exam-related stress and deadlines with savoring my time at university.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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