**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting my path 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 tended to be shy and introverted, immersing myself into university life felt intimidating. Reflecting on the past academic year now, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment. But what precisely did I take away from it, and what is my current state?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered was the task of making new friends. If you are a prospective student reading this, you may share this concern too. On moving day, just before the semester kicked off, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too nervous to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I’m pleased to say I’ve formed some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, beginning with simple conversations with others who were equally uncertain.
So, what have I taken from this experience? I learned that taking that first step is essential. Even when you don’t feel prepared or at ease, rest assured—there will be numerous ice-breakers and activities designed to facilitate connections. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With such a varied group of people across the program and university, you will surely find those who align with you.
### Managing the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a transition from A-levels, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being thrust into such a demanding academic environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when observing peers studying and feeling as if you’re lagging behind.
However, here’s the truth: everyone shares this experience. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, it’s very likely that others are too. The most crucial lesson I learned during my initial year was to reach out for help. Whether from classmates or faculty, don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed.
### Assistance from the Faculty
On the topic of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is remarkable. The instructors and tutors genuinely care about your success and are aware of the challenges students encounter. They maintain regular communication with us throughout the year, addressing our concerns and providing support. I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support offered until the tail end of the year, and I wish I had done so sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took the initiative to become a well-being representative for my cohort. This position helped me connect with the faculty better, which has been incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to foster relationships with the staff, and this is one of the best things you can do for your own benefit. My main takeaway? Make the most of the available help and support. You can never have too much!
### Concluding Remarks
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before starting university, and even throughout the year, was largely unfounded. There is abundant support available from both faculty and fellow students. I’ve come to understand that I am never truly isolated, and I’ve learned how to balance enjoying university life with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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