### Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I found myself consumed by feelings of nervousness, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was gearing up to embark on 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 shy and introverted, stepping into this new phase felt akin to leaping into the deep end. Now, as I reflect on an academic year rich with growth, hurdles, and lots of enjoyment, I can’t help but contemplate the insights I’ve gained and the distance I’ve traveled.
#### Confronting the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting elements of commencing university was the challenge of establishing friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you may very well relate. On my first day in student housing, just days before the term officially kicked off, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast-forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known.
The pivotal moment arrived when I chose to exit my comfort zone and engage in light conversation with individuals who were experiencing similar feelings. Gradually, these exchanges blossomed into substantial friendships, and I now feel that I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial.
What did I take away from this experience? Taking that first leap of faith is essential. If you’re not quite ready, don’t fret—there will be an abundance of icebreaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, remain authentic. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re bound to encounter individuals who align with your interests and principles.
#### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another major hurdle was adjusting to the heightened academic demands and intricate course content. The leap from A-level studies to university was apparent, and the transition from the first term to the second proved to be even more challenging. It’s easy to feel inundated or to question your capabilities when you observe others studying and succeeding.
What assisted me in navigating this journey was the realization that everyone is grappling with similar challenges. If you find yourself struggling to grasp a concept, there’s a high probability that others are too. The vital takeaway is to seek assistance—be it from your classmates or the academic faculty. Learning to ask for help may just be the most crucial skill you can cultivate in your initial year.
#### Cultivating Connections with Faculty
Speaking of support, the team within the Materials department has been outstanding. They genuinely desire for students to thrive and are understanding toward the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us and offered various forms of assistance.
Although I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had utilized it sooner. One of my best choices was to take on the role of a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to forge connections with faculty members, which turned out to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university journey. My key takeaway? Utilize the help and resources at your disposal—you can never have too much support.
#### Insights Gained
In hindsight, this year has shown me that many of the apprehensions I harbored—both prior to and during university—were ungrounded. With the extensive support available from both faculty and fellow students, I’ve learned that I’m never genuinely alone. I’ve also uncovered how to navigate the pressures of exams and deadlines while still enjoying moments of pleasure and relaxation.
In conclusion, my inaugural year at Imperial has been a life-changing experience. It’s been a journey of personal development, resilience, and connection, and I look forward to what the future has in store as I pursue my studies in Materials Science and Engineering.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*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/)*