**Reflections on 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, fear, and uncertainty about the journey that awaited me. I was on the brink of starting 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 has always been introverted and reserved, stepping into the unfamiliar stretched my limits. Now, as I reflect on a year brimming with growth, obstacles, and enjoyable moments, I recognize the vast amount I’ve gained and the progress I’ve achieved.
### Confronting the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. For many incoming students, this is a significant cause of stress when commencing university, and I was no different. On my first day in student housing, I spent countless hours retreating to my room, feeling too daunted to venture out and meet others.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve made some truly wonderful friends. These connections have become my second family here at Imperial. It just took a little initiative to step outside of my comfort zone and engage in small talks with others who were experiencing the same feelings as I was.
What have I discovered? Firstly, taking that initial step early on is always a worthwhile endeavor. If you’re not quite ready yet, that’s perfectly fine—there are numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet people. Secondly, the best approach is simply to be yourself. With such a vibrant community at Imperial, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Adapting to the academic workload and level of difficulty was another significant challenge. The leap from A-levels to university was considerable, and the transition from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when you observe others studying and wonder if you are keeping up.
What aided me in addressing this issue was the realization that everyone is on a similar journey. If you’re struggling to grasp something, it’s likely that others are facing the same hurdles. The essential takeaway is to ask for assistance—whether it’s from fellow students or faculty members. This is perhaps the most vital lesson I learned in my first year: never hesitate to seek help.
### The Significance of Support from Staff
In terms of support, the faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely care about the success of their students and understand the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication and offered unwavering support.
Although I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support until the latter part of the year, I regret not doing so earlier. Stepping into the role of a year wellbeing representative was a bold move for me, but it turned out to be one of the best choices I made. It enabled me to foster relationships with staff members, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and forging those bonds can significantly enhance your university journey. My suggestion? Make the most of the assistance and resources at your disposal—you can never have too much support!
### Major Lessons from My First Year
Reflecting back, this past year has imparted a great deal of knowledge. The anxious feelings I experienced—both prior to and during university—were often unnecessary and could have been eased with the support available from both staff and peers. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve learned how to balance the stress from exams and deadlines with moments of happiness and enjoyment.
Starting university is a pivotal step, but it also presents a chance for remarkable personal growth. If you’re about to embark on your own journey, remember to take those leaps of faith, seek help when needed, and fully embrace the experience. You might just astonish yourself with how far you can progress.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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