**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
A decade ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty about what awaited me as I geared up for my first-year experience 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). Diving straight in was far from what my introverted and reserved nature was used to. Reflecting back, I can now see a year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and a significant amount of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained from this journey, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. For many incoming students, this aspect of beginning university can be particularly stressful. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, just before the semester kicked off, I spent the entire day hiding away in my room, too intimidated to go out and meet others.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever known. Here at Imperial and within my academic program, I’ve discovered a second family. All it took was pushing myself beyond my comfort zone and striking up conversations with fellow students who were experiencing similar feelings.
So, what did I take away from this? I learned that making the effort at the beginning of the year is always rewarding. If you’re feeling unprepared or uneasy, don’t stress—there are numerous icebreaking gatherings and chances to connect with others. Above all, I learned to be authentic. With such a varied group of individuals in the course and university, you’re guaranteed to find others who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the increased workload and complexity of the curriculum. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift between the first and second terms was even more significant. Being in such a high-pressure environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, especially when observing others study and feeling like you’re falling behind.
What aided me through this transition was recognizing that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you’re struggling with a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The essential step is to seek help. In my view, this is the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from your peers or the faculty—they are there to assist you.
### The Importance of Supportive Staff
On the topic of staff, the Materials department at Imperial is truly remarkable. The lecturers and tutors genuinely care about students’ success and are acutely aware of the obstacles we face. They show empathy and maintain open lines of communication throughout the year to resolve any concerns.
Even though I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral support until the end of the year, I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. At the year’s outset, I made the initiative to become a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to cultivate connections with staff, which turned out to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and doing so can substantially enhance your university experience. My main takeaway here is to leverage the support available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Overall, this year has imparted the lesson that the apprehension I experienced prior to and during university was frequently unwarranted. With the extensive range of support frameworks available—from faculty to fellow students—there’s always help nearby. I’ve come to realize that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve learned how to find a balance between having fun and managing the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
As I contemplate my first year, I take pride in how much I’ve grown. From overcoming initial fears to tackling challenges and forming lasting bonds, this year has been a transformative period. If you’re on the brink of your own university adventure, remember to take those leaps, seek assistance, and, most importantly, be yourself.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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