**Contemplating 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 overwhelmed with apprehension, anxiety, and ambiguity regarding what was to come. I was on the verge of starting 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. As someone who has always been somewhat introverted and reserved, stepping into the unknown was quite a challenge for me. However, reflecting on the year that has passed, I realize it was a time of significant personal development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment. So what have I genuinely gained from this year, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was the task of making friends. This concern looms large for many incoming students, and I was no different. On my inaugural day of moving into the dorms, just a few days shy of the term commencing, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too fearful to step outside and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all began with some casual conversations with individuals who were experiencing the same situation as I was.
So, what insight did I gain? I discovered that it is always beneficial to take that first step. If you’re not feeling prepared or at ease initially, do not fret! There will be ample ice-breaking activities and chances to connect with others. Most crucially, I learned that authenticity is essential. With such a diverse crowd throughout the course and university, you are sure to find those with similar interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a clear elevation from A-levels, and the shift from the first term to the second proved to be even more daunting. Being thrust into such a challenging environment can sometimes undermine your self-confidence, particularly when witnessing peers studying and feeling as if you’re lagging behind. One aspect that aided me was the realization that everyone faces similar struggles. If you find something perplexing, it’s likely that others are too. The most vital lesson I absorbed during my first year was the importance of seeking assistance—whether from classmates or faculty.
### Assistance from Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the backing from the staff in the Materials department has been remarkable. They sincerely wish for students to thrive and are attuned to the trials we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept in consistent contact with us regarding any challenges we were experiencing. Although I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier.
At the year’s start, I took a bold step by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to foster better relationships with the staff, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and doing so is one of the best things you can undertake for yourself. My primary takeaway from this opportunity is to fully utilize the support available to you. You can never have too much assistance!
### Closing Reflections
In summary, this year has illustrated to me that the anxiety I experienced before and during university was largely unwarranted. The extensive array of support from both faculty and fellow students helped me address those emotions. I’ve learned that I am never genuinely alone, and I have also figured out how to strike a balance between having fun and managing the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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