**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was coming. I was preparing to begin 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 reserved, plunging into the vibrant world of university life felt like a formidable challenge. Now, reflecting on an academic year brimming with personal development, challenges, and many enjoyable moments, I can evaluate what I’ve gained and the progress I’ve made.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Socializing
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was forging friendships. The beginning of university can be quite stressful, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, you might have similar concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just days before lectures started, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too intimidated to venture out and meet others.
Fast forward to the present, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had. The individuals I’ve encountered here—both in my studies and around the university—have become like a second family. It all commenced with small actions, such as engaging in light conversation with those who were experiencing the same situation as I was.
What did I gain from this experience? Dive in early. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, there will be numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, just remain authentic. With such a varied array of people at university, you’re sure to discover those who resonate with your interests and beliefs.
### Addressing the Academic Demands
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the course material. The leap from A-levels to university was striking, and the transition from the first term to the second appeared even more daunting. It’s easy to feel daunted or question your abilities when you observe peers studying and thinking they have everything sorted out.
What assisted me in overcoming this was understanding that everyone is navigating similar waters. If you’re having difficulty grasping something, it’s likely that others are as well. The essential takeaway here is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or faculty members. This perhaps stands out as the most crucial lesson I embraced during my first year: do not hesitate to ask for help.
### Cultivating Relationships with Faculty
On the topic of support, the faculty in the Materials department are fantastic. They sincerely wish for students to thrive and are understanding of the hardships we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us and were always ready to address our issues.
Although I didn’t fully capitalize on the available pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had started earlier. Early on, I took the initiative to serve as a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to build connections with staff members, which turned out to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My suggestion? Utilize the support and resources at your disposal—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on the year, I’ve realized that the apprehension I felt—both prior to and throughout university—was often unfounded. With the immense support available from staff and fellow students, I was never truly isolated. I’ve learned how to manage the stress from exams and deadlines while still enjoying moments of happiness and fun.
Ultimately, my inaugural year at Imperial has been a period of growth, resilience, and exploration. If you’re on the verge of starting your own university journey, embrace the hurdles, take those courageous steps, and remember that support is always at hand.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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