**Reflections on My First Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was about to begin my path 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. For someone who had always been introverted and quiet, plunging into this new experience felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on an academic year filled with development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment, I can genuinely say it was a life-changing experience. But what insights did I gain, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered at the onset of my university journey was the challenge of making friends. If you’re a future student reading this, you might be experiencing similar feelings. On my initial day in student housing, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I’m proud to share that I’ve established some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had.
These bonds resemble a second family, forged through small gestures—like starting casual chats with fellow newcomers who were just as hesitant as I was. From this experience, I discovered that taking that first step is essential. If you’re not prepared to leap in right away, don’t fret—there will be countless icebreaker events and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re likely to find individuals who connect with you.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic demands and heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was significant, and the jump from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to get bogged down or question your skills, especially when watching others study as if they have everything under control.
What aided me in maneuvering this was the recognition that everyone is facing similar struggles. If you find it difficult to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The essential step is to seek assistance—either from your classmates or the teaching team. Learning to ask for help is arguably the most vital ability you can cultivate during your first year.
### Assistance from Faculty
Speaking of support, the faculty in the Materials department have been phenomenal. They genuinely care about student success and are understanding of the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open, addressing our worries and providing direction.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until late in the year, I wish I had engaged with it earlier. In the beginning, I took initiative by becoming a well-being representative for my year, which allowed me to foster connections with staff members. This turned out to be an invaluable opportunity. There are multiple ways to engage with faculty, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My main takeaway is to make the most of the resources and support available—there’s no such thing as too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this year has taught me that the apprehension I felt—both before commencing university and throughout the year—was often unfounded. With the extensive support from staff and fellow students, those anxieties became manageable. I’ve realized that I’m never entirely solitary and that it’s feasible to have fun even amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.
In conclusion, my inaugural year at Imperial has been a journey of personal development, resilience, and connections. If you’re about to embark on your own university journey, embrace the challenges, seek help, and always remember to relish the experience.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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