**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Just ten months ago, in October 2022, I experienced a wave of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty as I set out on 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. Being naturally shy and reserved, diving into this new experience was entirely outside of my comfort zone. Now, reflecting on an academic year rich in personal development, challenges, and memorable experiences, I can’t help but consider the lessons I’ve absorbed and how much I’ve progressed.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most daunting elements of starting university was the fear of forming friendships. If you’re a potential student reading this, you may share the same concerns. I vividly remember my first day in student housing, just days before the semester officially kicked off—I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others.
Fast forward to now, and I can confidently assert that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced. The individuals I’ve encountered have become like a second family to me. All it took was stepping beyond my comfort zone and initiating light conversations with others who were experiencing the same feelings.
So, what’s the takeaway? The secret is to take that bold step early on. If you’re not prepared or don’t feel comfortable immediately, that’s perfectly fine—there will be numerous icebreaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a vibrant community at Imperial, you’re sure to encounter people who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Hurdles
Adapting to the academic requirements of university was another major challenge. The leap from A-levels to university-level coursework was significant, and the transition between the first and second terms felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel swamped or question your skills when surrounded by top-performing classmates.
What assisted me in navigating this was the awareness that everyone is sharing the same experience. If you’re finding it hard to grasp a topic, others likely are too. The most beneficial action you can take is to ask for assistance—be it from your classmates or the teaching staff. Learning to seek help is arguably the most crucial skill you can cultivate in your first year.
### The Value of Support and Connection
Speaking of assistance, the faculty in the Materials Science department have been exceptional. They truly care about student success and are understanding of the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication and were always available to tackle our concerns.
Though I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support resources until the end of the year, I wish I had engaged sooner. Taking on the role of a year well-being representative was one of the brave steps I took at the beginning of the year, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. It enabled me to forge relationships with faculty members, which proved to be immensely beneficial.
There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty and maximize the resources at your disposal. My main piece of advice? Don’t hesitate to make use of the support being extended—you can’t have too much help.
### Key Takeaways
In retrospect, this year has illustrated to me that the apprehension I felt prior to starting university—and even throughout the year—was largely baseless. With the abundant support available from both faculty and fellow students, I’ve learned that I’m never entirely alone.
More importantly, I’ve figured out how to navigate the pressures of exams and deadlines while still carving out moments of joy and enjoyment. This year has been a journey of growth, resilience, and self-exploration, and I’m eager to discover what lies ahead.
If you’re about to embark on your own university adventure, remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit anxious. Take those strides, embrace the challenges, and always remember—you’ve got this!
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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