**Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and ambiguity about what was to come. I was preparing to commence 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. For someone who had always been introverted and quiet, plunging into this new phase felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on an academic year rich with development, challenges, and memorable experiences, I can see how life-changing this journey has been. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was establishing friendships. For many incoming students, this is among the top worries when beginning university, and I shared that sentiment. On my first day at my student residence, just days ahead of the term starting, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself.
Fast forward to today, and I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the most wonderful friendships I’ve ever experienced. My classmates have turned into a second family for me, both within my program and across the campus. All it required was stepping out of my comfort zone and initiating light conversations with others who were just as apprehensive as I was.
What did I discover? Taking that first step at the beginning of the year is essential. If you aren’t ready immediately, don’t fret—there will be countless social events and chances to meet others. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, there are bound to be people who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the increased workload and the heightened complexity of the course content. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even tougher. It’s easy to feel swamped or doubt your capabilities when observing others studying and seemingly thriving.
What aided me in managing this was recognizing that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you’re finding something difficult to grasp, it’s likely that your classmates are too. The key is to seek assistance. This may be the most critical lesson I acquired during my first year—don’t hesitate to reach out to your fellow students or the teaching staff for help.
### The Value of Supportive Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the Materials Science department at Imperial is exceptional. The lecturers and tutors genuinely want their students to achieve success and show understanding toward the challenges we encounter. They foster open communication throughout the year and are always ready to address our worries.
While I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support offered until late in the year, I wish I had sooner. Early on, I took an initiative by becoming a year well-being representative, which allowed me to forge connections with faculty members. This experience turned out to be invaluable. There are various avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can substantially enhance your university journey. My recommendation? Make full use of the resources and support available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Takeaways
As I reflect on this year, I’ve come to understand that the apprehension I felt before starting university—and even throughout the year—was largely misplaced. With a myriad of support options accessible, from faculty to fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. This year has imparted lessons on managing the stress of exams and deadlines alongside moments of joy and self-exploration.
In conclusion, my first year at Imperial has been an expedition of personal evolution, academic hurdles, and significant relationships. If you are about to embark on your own university journey, recognize that it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious—but also understand that you will find your path, just like I did.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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