**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with apprehension, dread, and ambiguity concerning what awaited me. I was on the verge of beginning 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. For someone who had always been introverted and reserved, venturing into the unfamiliar felt quite daunting. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and memorable experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting elements of commencing university was the prospect of meeting new people. If you’re an incoming student, this may also be one of your primary worries. On my inaugural day in student housing, just days before classes officially kicked off, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too anxious to go out and introduce myself. Fast forward to the present, and I can assert that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever known. My companions here at Imperial have become like a second family to me.
What led to this change? It all began with casual conversations. I came to understand that everyone else was feeling similarly uneasy and uncertain. Taking that first step to interact with others made a world of difference. If you’re feeling apprehensive, don’t fret—numerous icebreaker events and opportunities to engage with others will present themselves. The essential takeaway? Be authentic. With such a varied community at Imperial, you are sure to discover individuals who resonate with your interests and beliefs.
### Addressing the Academic Trials
Adapting to the academic demands and intricacies of the course material represented another considerable challenge. The shift from A-levels to university was tough, and the leap from the first term to the second was even more noticeable. It’s understandable to feel overloaded or doubt your capabilities, particularly when observing others seemingly thriving.
What aided me during this time was recognizing that everyone faces challenges at times. If you’re struggling with a topic, it’s likely that others are as well. The most vital lesson I absorbed throughout my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether from your classmates or the faculty, asking for support can truly make a significant impact.
### Assistance from the Faculty
The personnel in the Materials department are fantastic. They genuinely care about students’ success and are understanding of the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the academic year, they kept communication lines open and offered consistent support. Although I didn’t fully capitalize on the available pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner.
At the beginning of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a year wellbeing representative. This position helped me to establish connections with faculty members, which turned out to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My suggestion? Utilize the support structures that are at your disposal. You can never receive too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Looking back on my first year, I’ve discovered that the anxiety I experienced before beginning university—and even throughout the year—was frequently exaggerated. There is a wealth of support accessible, both from faculty and fellow students, to help you navigate various hurdles. I’ve realized that I’m never entirely alone, and I’ve learned to balance enjoying life with managing the unavoidable pressures of exams and deadlines.
This year has been a transformative journey, and I’m eager to see what lies ahead as I progress in Materials Science and Engineering.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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