**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**

*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*

Ten months back, in October 2022, I was brimming with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what awaited me. I was on the brink of starting my experience 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 more introverted, plunging into this new phase felt daunting. Now, as I reflect on the academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, challenges, and plenty of enjoyable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?

### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships

One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was forging new friendships. If you’re a future student reading this, it might be a concern for you as well. On my initial day moving into my accommodation, a few days prior to the term’s commencement, I spent the entire day in my room, too anxious to step outside and meet others. Fast forward to the present, and I can assertively say that I’ve cultivated some of the best friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, a journey that initiated with simple conversations with others who were feeling similarly.

What have I learned? I realized that taking that first step at the year’s outset is essential. If you’re not entirely ready or at ease, don’t fret! There will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to engage with fellow students. Most importantly, be authentic. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who you connect with.

### Addressing the Academic Demands

Another notable challenge was acclimatizing to the academic demands and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a leap from A-levels, and the transition from the first term to the second felt even more challenging. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and doubt your abilities when observing others study, but it’s vital to remember that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you’re finding it difficult to grasp something, it’s likely that others are as well. The essential strategy is to seek help—whether from peers or faculty members. This may be one of the most crucial skills to hone in your first year.

### The Significance of Staff Support

Speaking of faculty, the assistance from the Materials department has been remarkable. The lecturers and tutors genuinely desire your success and acknowledge the hurdles students encounter. They keep communication lines accessible and are always eager to help. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the academic year was coming to a close, and I wish I had engaged with it earlier.

At the beginning of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My key takeaway here is to maximize the support at your disposal—there’s no such thing as overdoing assistance!

### Concluding Observations

In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced prior to starting university—and even throughout the year—was mostly unwarranted. With the extensive support offered by both faculty and fellow students, I learned that I am never genuinely alone. I also discovered how to strike a balance between enjoying myself and managing the inevitable stress that comes with exams and deadlines.

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