**Reflections 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 overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and doubt about what was to come. I was about to embark on my journey as a freshman 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. Being someone who has always been introverted and reserved, diving into this experience was a formidable challenge. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a time of profound personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. But what did I truly learn, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the primary anxieties for new university students, and if you’re perusing this as a potential student, it may be something that concerns you as well. On my first day of settling into housing, merely days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had, both within my program and throughout the university.
I have found a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was a few instances of casual conversation with individuals who shared similar experiences. The essential takeaway? It’s always beneficial to take that first leap. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease immediately, there’s no need to stress—there will be numerous ice-breakers and events tailored to assist you in connecting with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those who connect with you.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another major obstacle was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in many respects, an even more significant jump from the first semester to the second. Being thrust into such an intense academic setting can occasionally undermine your confidence. You might observe others studying and feel like you don’t measure up.
What aided me during this was the realization that everyone is experiencing the same struggles. If you don’t grasp something, I can almost assure you that others are grappling with it as well. The most crucial lesson I absorbed in my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether it’s from your classmates or the faculty, reaching out for help is essential.
### The Significance of Faculty Support
On the subject of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is outstanding. They genuinely wish for students to thrive and are fully aware of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained regular communication with us, addressing any concerns we had. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until the year’s conclusion, but I regret not doing so earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took a chance by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position permitted me to connect with the faculty better, which proved to be incredibly helpful. There are numerous avenues to cultivate relationships with faculty, and it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. My primary takeaway here is to maximize the support that is available. You can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was largely unfounded. Numerous support systems are in place, from both faculty and fellow students, to aid you in tackling the difficulties. I’ve realized that I’m never genuinely alone and have learned to balance enjoying myself with the inevitable 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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