**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was brimming with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of commencing my first year 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 used to be quite shy and introverted, embarking on this new journey felt daunting. Reflecting now, I realize it has been a year of personal development, hurdles, and amazing experiences. But what have I discovered, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most significant obstacles I encountered was the challenge of making friends. If you’re an incoming student, this may be one of your primary concerns too. On my very first day in student accommodation, just prior to the term’s commencement, I was so overwhelmed that I confined myself to my room all day, too anxious to meet anyone.
Fast forward to the present, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and all it took was stepping outside of my comfort zone and initiating small conversations with fellow students in the same circumstances.
So, what did I take away from this? Taking that initial step is always rewarding. If you feel unprepared or uneasy at first, don’t fret—there will be plenty of opportunities and events designed to break the ice and connect with others. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With such a varied student community, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and beliefs.
### Adjusting to Academic Demands
Another prominent challenge was adjusting to the heightened workload and complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was substantial, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. It’s quite normal to feel inundated and question your capabilities, particularly when you observe others studying and appearing more self-assured.
What got me through this period was the realization that everyone is undergoing similar experiences. If you’re finding something tough to comprehend, it’s likely that others are struggling too. The best action you can take is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or instructors. Learning to ask for support is an invaluable skill to cultivate during your first year.
### The Value of Staff Support
One of the standout aspects of my journey has been the remarkable support from the Materials Science department. The faculty genuinely aims for student success and are always receptive to feedback regarding our challenges. They acknowledge the hurdles we encounter and are consistently ready to provide assistance.
Although I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had done it earlier. One of the best choices I made was to become a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to establish connections with staff members, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway? Utilize the resources available to you—you can never have too much support!
### Concluding Thoughts
Reflecting on this year, I’ve learned that the anxiety and fears I felt before starting university were largely unwarranted. With the encouragement of faculty and fellow students, I managed to navigate challenges and evolve both academically and personally. Most importantly, I discovered that I’m never solitary on this path. University life brings its own stresses—exams, deadlines, and coursework—but it also presents chances to enjoy yourself and create lasting memories.
If you’re about to embark on your own university adventure, my advice is straightforward: take that leap, don’t hesitate to ask for help when necessary, and wholeheartedly embrace every experience that comes your way.