**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nervousness, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. 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 introverted, plunging into this new chapter seemed intimidating. Now, reflecting on an academic year rich with growth, challenges, and plenty of enjoyable moments, I recognize how much I’ve evolved and the distance I’ve traveled.
### Conquering the Challenge of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting elements of beginning university was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my initial day in student accommodation, just a few days before the term commenced, I spent the entire day secluding myself in my room, too anxious to step outside and introduce myself.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had. My peers at Imperial have become like a second family to me. All it required was stepping out of my comfort zone and initiating small conversations with individuals who were experiencing similar feelings.
What did I discover? First, it’s beneficial to take that plunge at the beginning of the year, even if it feels intimidating. If you’re not prepared right away, that’s perfectly fine—there will be plenty of icebreaker events and opportunities to engage with others. Second, the best approach is to simply be yourself. With such a wide array of individuals at Imperial, you’re sure to find others who align with your interests and values.
### Adapting to the Academic Demands
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the academic workload and the complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was substantial, and the transition between the first and second terms felt even more formidable. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when observing others studying and believing they’re ahead of you.
What assisted me through this was the reminder that everyone shares the same experience. If you struggle to grasp something, chances are there are others who feel the same way. The key is to seek assistance—whether it’s from classmates or teaching staff. Learning to ask for help is perhaps the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year.
### Assistance from the Materials Department
Speaking of staff, the Materials Department at Imperial is remarkable. The lecturers and tutors genuinely want students to thrive and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. They maintain open lines of communication with students throughout the year to address any concerns.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until the end of the year, I wish I had done so sooner. At the start of the year, I decided to become a year well-being representative, which facilitated the building of relationships with staff members. This proved to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My foremost takeaway? Embrace the support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights from My First Year
Looking back, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt—both prior to and during university—was often unfounded. There is an abundance of support available, whether from staff or fellow students. I’ve realized that I’m never entirely alone and that it’s feasible to balance the pressures of exams and deadlines with moments of happiness and enjoyment.
This year has been one of significant growth, and I’m eager to discover what awaits in the coming years.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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