**Musings on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and doubt regarding what was ahead. I was on the brink 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, the prospect of immersing myself into university life felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize a time filled with personal growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
### Developing Friendships: Taking the Initial Step
Making friends turned out to be one of the most daunting tasks I encountered. If you’re an incoming student, this could be a significant worry for you as well. On the very first day of my accommodation move-in, just days before the term started, I found myself spending the whole day in my room, too nervous to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever known. I discovered a second family here at Imperial, all beginning with informal chats with fellow students who shared similar feelings.
What did I take away from this? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret—there will be plenty of social events and ice-breakers to facilitate your connections. Most critically, I recognized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse group of people in the course and the university, you’re destined to encounter others who reflect your interests and values.
### Managing the Workload: Seeking Assistance
Another significant challenge was acclimating to the academic workload and the heightened complexity of the subjects. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and an even more considerable shift from the first term to the second. Being thrust into such a demanding environment can undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you are lagging behind.
What assisted me in navigating this was the realization that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find something confusing, chances are, others share your confusion. The most vital lesson I absorbed in my first year was the importance of seeking help. Whether it’s from classmates or faculty, reaching out is essential.
### Faculty Support: Maximizing Available Resources
Speaking of faculty, the support from the Materials department has been exceptional. The instructors and teaching assistants are genuinely invested in your success and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year and address any issues we may have. I didn’t fully capitalize on the pastoral support until later in the year, but I regret not engaging with it sooner.
At the start of the year, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff more effectively, which has proven invaluable. There are numerous opportunities to foster relationships with faculty, and I strongly endorse seizing them. My most significant takeaway from this experience is to utilize the assistance that is offered. You can never have too much support!
### Concluding Remarks: Conquering Anxiety and Achieving Balance
In conclusion, this year has revealed to me that the anxious feelings I harbored before and during university were often unfounded. With the extensive support available from both faculty and fellow students, I learned that I was never truly alone. Most importantly, I found out how to relish my experiences while managing the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
*Tagged: [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [Featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [First Year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [Imperial College London](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)*