**Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was enveloped in anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty as I prepared to embark 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 reserved and introverted, plunging into this new phase of life felt overwhelming. Now, reflecting on an academic year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and ample enjoyment, I can assert that it has been a life-changing experience. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Friendship
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered early in my journey was the challenge of forming friendships. For many incoming students, this is a major concern about commencing university, and I was no exception. On my inaugural day in student accommodation, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life—friends who resemble a second family.
How did this transformation occur? It all commenced with small steps: engaging in casual conversations with individuals who were in a similar situation. I realized that taking a leap of faith at the onset of the year is essential. If you’re not prepared or comfortable initially, don’t fret—there will be an abundance of ice-breaking activities and chances to connect with others. Above all, I learned that being authentic is the most effective way to approach this. With such a diverse array of individuals at Imperial, you’re sure to find people who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another considerable challenge was acclimating to the academic workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more demanding. It’s easy to feel inundated or doubt your capabilities when you observe others studying and appearing to excel.
What aided me in managing these sentiments was the understanding that everyone is in a similar situation. If you’re struggling with something, it’s likely that others are too. The key is to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or faculty members. This was perhaps the most crucial lesson I absorbed during my first year: don’t be afraid to ask for support.
### Assistance from Staff and Pastoral Support
On the topic of support, the staff in the Materials department have been outstanding. They genuinely care about students’ success and are compassionate toward the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us and addressed our inquiries.
Although I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until late in the year, I wish I had started sooner. Stepping into the role of a well-being representative for the year was a bold move I made early on, and it turned out to be one of my best choices. This position enabled me to cultivate relationships with staff members, which proved to be priceless. There are numerous avenues for connecting with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university journey. My main takeaway? Leverage the support systems available to you—there’s no such thing as too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve realized that the apprehension I experienced—both prior to starting university and throughout the year—was frequently unfounded. Numerous resources and support systems are in place to assist students, whether through staff or fellow classmates. I’ve come to understand that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to strike a balance between enjoying life and managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
As I look ahead, I’m eager to see what the upcoming year brings. If there’s one piece of guidance I would offer to incoming students, it would be this: take those leaps of faith, embrace challenges, and don’t hesitate to seek help. University is a transformative time, and you’ll emerge stronger on the other side.
*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)*