**Contemplating My Initial Year: Insights Gained and Development**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was consumed by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the verge of beginning 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 introverted and quiet, leaping into this new phase felt daunting. Now, reflecting on the previous academic year, I recognize a time of substantial personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments. So, what have I gained from this year, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Friendships
One of the most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s probably a concern for you as well. On my initial day of settling into my accommodation, just days before the term kicked off, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, too fearful to venture outside and meet others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve found a second family at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with others who were feeling the same way.
What did I gain? I discovered that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is crucial. If you’re not ready or comfortable immediately, don’t worry! There are numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I learned that being true to yourself is the best tactic. With such a diverse group of individuals in the course and university, you’re likely to find those who connect with you.
### Addressing the Academic Hurdles
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a notable increase from A-levels, and the transition from the first semester to the second was even more significant. Being thrust into this setting can shake your confidence, especially when you observe others studying and feel like you’re lagging behind. But here’s the reality: everyone is experiencing the same thing. If you find something difficult, there’s a high chance others are too. So, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. This may be the most vital lesson from my first year—seek support from peers and staff whenever needed!
### The Value of Staff Support
Talking about staff, I cannot stress enough how incredible the Materials department staff are. They genuinely care about your success and are fully aware of the obstacles students encounter. They empathize with us and maintain ongoing communication throughout the year to address our issues. I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support available until the end of the year, but I wish I had done so earlier.
At the start of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position helped me connect with the staff members, which proved to be extraordinarily beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My key takeaway? Utilize the support that’s offered to you—you can never have too much.
### Concluding Reflections
In hindsight, this year has illustrated to me that the apprehension I felt, both prior to and during university, was mostly unfounded. There are plenty of support systems available, from staff to fellow students, to alleviate those concerns. I’ve learned that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve figured out how to balance having fun with the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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