**Reflections on 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 overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was about 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. Having always been introverted and quiet, diving in headfirst was not something I was used to. Now, reflecting on an academic year full of personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments, I can appreciate how much I’ve accomplished and progress I’ve made.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered was making new friends. For countless incoming students, this is one of the primary concerns about starting university, and I was no different. On my first day in student housing, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself.
Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say I’ve established some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. These connections have evolved into my second family here at Imperial, beginning with simple conversations with individuals who were just as apprehensive as I was.
What have I learned? Taking that first step at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not prepared right away, don’t worry—there will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to meet others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a varied group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Obstacles
Another notable challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened difficulty of the material. The shift from A-levels to university was stark, and the transition from the first term to the second term felt even more challenging. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or question your skills, particularly when you observe others studying and assume they’re managing everything with ease.
What helped me navigate this was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, others likely are as well. The key is to seek assistance—whether from your classmates or the teaching staff. Learning to reach out for help is arguably the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year.
### The Value of Supportive Staff
Speaking of staff, I cannot stress enough how outstanding the Materials Science team is. They genuinely care about students’ success and display empathy toward the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us and provided unwavering support.
Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. Becoming a well-being representative for my year was one of the significant steps I took at the start of the year, and it proved to be extremely fulfilling. It afforded me the chance to foster relationships with staff members, which ended up being priceless.
There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My biggest takeaway? Make the most of the support accessible to you—there’s no such thing as too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
This year has revealed to me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was frequently unfounded. With the vast array of support options provided by both staff and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned to manage the stress from exams and deadlines alongside moments of happiness and enjoyment, and I’ve matured in ways I never thought possible.
If you’re on the brink of starting your university journey, understand that it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous. Take those risks, embrace the challenges, and don’t hesitate to seek help. You will find your niche, just as I did.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*