**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was filled with trepidation, anxiety, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was on the verge of starting 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. As someone who had always been timid and introverted, venturing into the unfamiliar felt daunting. Now, reflecting on the previous academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, challenges, and memorable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. For many new students, this is a primary concern when beginning university, and I was no exception. On my first day in student housing, just before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day in my room, too anxious to go out and meet others.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced. These bonds have turned into a second family for me, both within my program and throughout the university. What changed? Taking small steps, such as starting casual conversations with others who were equally apprehensive, enabled me to establish connections.
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is this: take a leap of faith at the beginning of the year. Even if you don’t feel prepared, there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. And above all, just be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the academic workload and the heightened complexity of the course material. The shift from A-levels to university was substantial, and the leap from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It wasn’t always simple to maintain confidence, particularly when comparing myself to others who appeared to be managing with ease.
What got me through these challenging moments was realizing that everyone else was navigating similar difficulties. If I was having a tough time grasping a concept, it was likely that others were too. The key takeaway? Don’t be afraid to seek assistance. Whether from your classmates or the faculty, asking for support is one of the most critical skills to hone during your first year.
### Assistance from the Materials Department
On the topic of support, I can’t stress enough how extraordinary the staff in the Materials department are. They genuinely care about students’ success and understand the challenges we face. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us and showed understanding towards our difficulties.
Though I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until the end of the year, I regret not doing so earlier. Taking on the role of a year well-being representative was a bold decision for me, but it turned out to be incredibly gratifying. It allowed me to foster relationships with staff members, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My recommendation? Fully leverage the support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this year, I have learned that the anxiety I felt before and during university was often unwarranted. With the abundant support from both faculty and fellow students, I recognized that I was never truly alone. I also discovered how to balance the stress from exams and deadlines with moments of happiness and enjoyment.
To summarize, my first year at Imperial has been a transformative experience. It’s been a time of growth, resilience, and forming lasting relationships. If you’re about to embark on your own university adventure, embrace the challenges, lean on the resources around you, and remember to savor the journey!
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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