**Musings on My Initial Year in the Field of Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding the adventures ahead. I was on the verge of starting my path 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 somewhat reserved, diving headfirst into this experience felt quite daunting. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments. But what specifically did I gain from this year, and what is my current perspective?
### Confronting the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. This aspect of beginning university can often be quite alarming, and if you’re reading this as an incoming student, it may be a concern for you as well. On my initial day of moving into my housing, just a few days prior to the term starting, I found myself spending the entire day in my room, feeling too intimidated to go out and meet anyone.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced, both within my program and across the wider university community. I’ve found a second family here at Imperial, and it simply required a bit of casual conversation with others who were equally nervous. So, what did I learn? I came to realize that taking that first step is always worthwhile. Even if you don’t feel ready or at ease, don’t stress! There are numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I recognized that the best thing you can do is be yourself. With such a rich diversity of individuals at university, you’ll likely discover others who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Challenges
Another significant challenge was adapting to the academic workload and the intricacy of the material. The transition from A-levels was certainly noticeable, and the leap from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being immersed in such an intense academic atmosphere can sometimes undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re falling behind.
What really assisted me in overcoming this was the realization that everyone is dealing with similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, it’s very likely that others are experiencing the same difficulty. So, don’t hesitate to seek help. This has been perhaps the most crucial lesson I’ve acquired in my first year. Reach out to your peers or the faculty without reservation. Everyone is there to support one another.
### Recognizing the Value of Staff Support
On the topic of staff, I cannot emphasize enough how incredible the Materials department personnel are. They genuinely wish for your success and are cognizant of the challenges students encounter. They maintain ongoing communication with us throughout the year and are always open to listening to our concerns. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until towards the end of the year, but I regret not doing so earlier.
At the beginning of the year, I took the risk of becoming a well-being representative for my cohort. This position allowed me to connect more deeply with the staff, which has been tremendously beneficial. There are various ways to cultivate relationships with staff members, and doing so is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. My primary takeaway from this experience is to fully utilize the support available to you. There’s no such thing as too much help!
### Concluding Thoughts
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt prior to and during university was largely unwarranted. Numerous support systems exist, both from faculty and fellow students, to assist you in navigating the complexities. I’ve learned that I’m never truly on my own, and I’ve figured out how to balance enjoyable experiences with the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
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