**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, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of starting my adventure 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 has always been introverted and reserved, immersing myself in such a fresh and demanding setting felt quite overwhelming. Reflecting now, I recognize an academic year that has been life-changing—filled with development, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Friendships
One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you might share similar fears. On my first day of moving into residence, just days before classes began, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently state that I’ve formed some of the greatest friendships in my life.
Imperial has evolved into a second family for me, and it all commenced with simple beginnings—such as engaging in light conversation with fellow students who were just as anxious as I was. What did I learn? Taking that initial plunge at the beginning of the year is essential. If you aren’t prepared immediately, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker activities and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, be genuine. With such a varied group of individuals within the course and the university, you’re likely to discover those who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another considerable obstacle was adapting to the demands and complexity of the coursework. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or question your competence when surrounded by high-achieving individuals.
What aided me during this period was the realization that everyone is in a similar situation. If you’re finding it tough to grasp a concept, it’s likely others are as well. The crucial step is to seek assistance—whether from your peers or the academic staff. This is perhaps the most vital lesson I acquired in my first year: don’t hesitate to ask for help.
### The Importance of Supportive Faculty
On the topic of support, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They sincerely wish for students to succeed and show understanding of the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept communication lines open, ensuring that our concerns were acknowledged and addressed.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until later in the year, I wish I had started using it earlier. Stepping into the role of a year well-being representative was a significant leap for me, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding choices I made. It enabled me to forge connections with faculty members, which has proven invaluable. Whether through official positions or informal interactions, getting to know your lecturers and tutors can significantly enhance your experience. My key takeaway? Utilize the assistance and resources at your disposal—you can never have too much support.
### Insights Gained
This year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before entering university—and even during the year—was often unfounded. With the extensive range of support available from both staff and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned to balance the pressures from exams and deadlines with moments of happiness and enjoyment, and I’ve developed in ways I never anticipated.
As I reflect on my first year, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. For those who are about to commence their own university journey, my advice is straightforward: take the leap, seek assistance, and don’t forget to relish the experience.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
*Tagged: [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/)*