**Contemplations on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
A decade ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, trepidation, and ambiguity regarding what awaited me. I was set to begin 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. Being naturally shy and introverted, plunging into this new phase was intimidating. Now, as I reflect on the previous academic year, I recognize a time filled with substantial personal development, hurdles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most anxiety-inducing obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it may be one of your greatest concerns as well. On my initial day of settling into my accommodation, a few days prior to the official start of the term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve made some of the finest friends I’ve ever known. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals who shared my apprehension.
What did I realize? The essential step is to take that first plunge. Even if you feel unprepared, don’t fret—there will be numerous social events and opportunities to connect with others. Most importantly, just be true to yourself. With such a varied student population, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another challenge I needed to tackle was acclimating to the academic demands and the complexity of the material. There was undoubtedly a significant leap from A-levels, and the shift from the first to the second term was even more intense. It’s easy to feel inundated and question your capabilities, especially when observing others who seem to have everything figured out. But here’s the reality: everyone is navigating similar waters. If you’re finding something difficult to grasp, it’s likely that others are too. The most beneficial action you can take is to seek assistance—whether from your classmates or the teaching staff. Learning to reach out for support is arguably the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Regarding the faculty, the staff in the Materials department at Imperial are exceptional. They sincerely desire for you to thrive and comprehend the hurdles students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained ongoing communication with us, providing support and addressing our worries. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the year’s outset, I took a step by becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position enabled me to connect with the staff more closely, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to develop ties with the faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My key takeaway? Fully embrace the resources available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting back, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt before and during university was largely misplaced. With the numerous support options accessible from both staff and fellow students, I learned that I was never isolated. More importantly, I discovered how to balance having fun with the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
**Categorised under:** Uncategorised
**Tags:** [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/)