**Insights from 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 overcome with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what was about to come. I was on the verge of starting 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 more introverted, entering this new phase felt intimidating. Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and memorable experiences. But what lessons did I take away, and where do I stand at this moment?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was establishing friendships. This is a primary concern for many incoming students, and I was no exception. On my initial day in student housing, just days before the term officially kicked off, I spent the entire day confined to my room, too anxious to go out and meet others.
Fast forward to the present, and I can say with assurance that I’ve made some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, both within my program and throughout the university. It simply required stepping outside my comfort zone and engaging in casual conversation with fellow newcomers who were just as hesitant as I was.
What did I take away from this experience? Taking that first plunge at the beginning of the year is always worthwhile. If you’re not prepared or don’t feel at ease immediately, don’t fret—there will be plenty of icebreaker events and chances to interact with others. Most importantly, I learned to be true to myself. With such a diverse community at university, you’re sure to find individuals who align with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Challenges
Another challenge I faced was adjusting to the demands of workload and the intricacies of the course material. The leap from A-levels to university was substantial, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more overwhelming. Being in such a rigorous academic setting can occasionally undermine your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re lagging behind.
What aided me in navigating this was the acknowledgment that everyone else is in a similar situation. If you’re having trouble grasping something, it’s likely that others are too. The crucial point is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or teaching staff. This is possibly the most significant lesson I learned in my first year: never hesitate to ask for help.
### The Value of Supportive Faculty
Speaking of assistance, the staff in the Materials department are fantastic. They truly wish for students to thrive and are understanding of the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they sustained open lines of communication with us, tackling our concerns and providing direction.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support offered to me until the year’s end, and I regret not doing so earlier. At the start of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to foster relationships with faculty members, which proved to be extremely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My primary takeaway here? Leverage the help and resources at your disposal—you can never have too much support.
### Lessons Gained
In reflecting on my first year, I’ve come to understand that the anxiety I experienced—both before commencing university and throughout the year—was often unfounded. Given the abundant support from both faculty and fellow students, I never truly faced any challenges singlehandedly. This year has enlightened me on how to navigate the pressures of exams and deadlines while also savoring moments of joy and fun.
For anyone gearing up to embark on their own university adventure: embrace the challenges, take those leaps of faith, and keep in mind that support is always close by.
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**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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