**Thoughts on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the journey ahead. I was on the brink of starting my venture 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. For someone who had always been somewhat introverted, plunging into this new phase was quite intimidating. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I view it as a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and a great deal of enjoyment. But what insights has this year brought me, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
A particularly anxiety-inducing challenge I encountered early on was the task of making friends. If you’re an upcoming student reading this, it’s probably something that concerns you as well. On my initial day of moving into my accommodation, mere days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, both within my program and throughout the university.
So, what did I take away from this experience? I came to understand that taking an initiative at the beginning of the year is essential. Even if you don’t feel fully prepared or at ease, there will be numerous ice-breaking activities and events aimed at facilitating connections with others. And most crucially, just be yourself. With such a diverse spectrum of individuals at university, you’re sure to encounter those who align with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Demands
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the course material. There was undeniably a clear increase in difficulty from A-levels, and an even more significant leap from the first term to the second. Being thrust into this setting can be challenging for your self-esteem, especially when observing others study and feeling as though you’re lagging behind. But here’s the truth: everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you’re grappling with a concept, chances are others are as well. The crucial point is to seek assistance. This is likely the most vital lesson I absorbed in my first year—don’t hesitate to reach out to classmates or faculty when you require support.
### The Value of Staff Support
Regarding staff, the faculty in the Materials department is exceptional. They genuinely desire for you to excel and understand the difficulties students encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, addressing our worries and providing support. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral aid until later in the year, but I wish I had embraced it sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I took a significant step by becoming a well-being representative for my year group. This position enabled me to connect more closely with the staff, which proved to be incredibly rewarding. There are numerous ways to forge relationships with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university journey. My suggestion? Take full advantage of the support available—you can never receive too much assistance!
### Concluding Reflections
As I contemplate this year, I’ve realized that the apprehension I experienced before and during university was largely unwarranted. With the extensive support accessible from both faculty and fellow students, I understood that I was never genuinely alone. This year has imparted lessons on how to balance the pressures of exams and deadlines with savoring my time at university. It’s been a transformative journey, and I eagerly anticipate what the future has in store.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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