**Reflections 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, uncertainty, and doubts about my future path. I was about to embark on my first year studying [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 previously been quite shy and reserved, immersing myself into an entirely new setting felt daunting. Looking back now, I see a year rich in personal development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyable moments. But what insights have I gained, and where do I currently find myself?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Meeting Friends
One of the most intimidating parts of starting university was forging friendships. If you’re an incoming student, this may be one of your primary worries as well. On my inaugural day in student housing, I was so apprehensive that I spent the whole day in my room, too fearful to introduce myself to anyone.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and all it took was stepping outside my comfort zone and engaging in small talk with others who are in the same boat as me.
So, what did I learn? First, taking that initial leap at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel prepared, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with new people. Second, just be authentic. With such a varied student population, you’re bound to meet individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Adapting to Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the workload and the complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels was distinct, and the transition from the first to the second term was even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when surrounded by diligent peers.
What aided me through this was recognizing that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you’re having trouble grasping a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The best course of action is to reach out for assistance—whether from classmates or instructors. Learning to seek help is one of the most invaluable skills you can acquire in your first year.
### The Significance of Support from Faculty
A highlight of my journey has been the remarkable backing from the Materials Science department. The staff truly wish for students to thrive and are consistently receptive to input. They comprehend the hurdles we encounter and maintain ongoing communication to address any issues.
Although I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until later in the year, I regret not doing so earlier. At the start of the year, I took the initiative to become a well-being representative for my cohort. This position allowed me to cultivate relationships with faculty members, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and doing so can significantly improve your university experience. My most important insight? Make the most of the available support—you can never have an excess of assistance!
### Closing Thoughts
Reflecting back, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt prior to starting university was largely unwarranted. There are so many support mechanisms in place, from staff to fellow students, ensuring that no one has to navigate the experience alone. Most crucially, I’ve learned how to juggle academic demands while savoring university life.
If you’re preparing to embark on your university adventure, my guidance is straightforward: take the plunge, seek help when necessary, and seize every opportunity that comes your way.
—
**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
**Categories:** Uncategorised
**Tags:** [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [Featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [First Year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [Imperial College London](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)