**Thoughts on My Initial Year Studying Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was just about to start my journey 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 has always been quiet and introverted, jumping into this fresh chapter felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on my inaugural academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments. But what precisely did I gain from this experience, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the foremost and most anxiety-inducing hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. This is a concern for many incoming students, and I was no exception. On the day I moved into my accommodation, I spent the entire time secluded in my room, too shy to venture out and introduce myself to anyone. Fast forward to the present, and I can proudly say that I have forged some of the closest friendships I have ever known. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with a few straightforward conversations with others who were also feeling uncertain.
So, what was the takeaway? I learned that taking that initial step is always worthwhile, even if it feels daunting. If you’re not quite ready at first, don’t be concerned! There are numerous ice-breaking activities and chances to engage with new people. Most importantly, I understood that being authentic is essential. With such a varied student community, you will undoubtedly connect with individuals who vibe with you.
### Adjusting to the Academic Challenges
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was striking, and the progression from the first to the second term was even more significant. It’s easy to feel inundated and doubt your capabilities when you observe others pushing themselves to study. However, a comforting thought for me was realizing that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, chances are your peers are finding it tough, too.
The most crucial lesson I absorbed during my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether it’s from fellow students or faculty, asking for help when needed is vital.
### Assistance from the Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the teaching staff within the Materials department is fantastic. They genuinely care about your success and are conscious of the struggles students encounter. Throughout the academic year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, addressing any issues we raised. Although I didn’t fully engage with the support services until the latter part of the year, I wish I had taken advantage of them earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I dared to become a well-being representative for my year. This opportunity enabled me to familiarize myself with the staff better, which was incredibly beneficial. There are various ways to connect with faculty, and it is one of the best investments you can make for yourself. My key takeaway here is to leverage the support systems available to you—there’s no such thing as excessive assistance!
### Concluding Reflections
In summary, this year has illustrated that the anxiety I felt prior to starting university was mostly unfounded. With the extensive support options accessible from both staff and fellow students, I came to realize that I was never genuinely alone. I also learned how to balance enjoying myself while navigating the inevitable 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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