**Thoughts 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 enveloped in anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was on the verge of starting my adventure 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 quite introverted and cautious, venturing into the unfamiliar felt like a massive challenge. Now, reflecting on an academic year brimming with personal development, obstacles, and enjoyment, I can appreciate the knowledge I’ve gained and the strides I’ve made.
### Confronting the Anxiety of Friendship
One of the most daunting elements of starting university was forging new friendships. If you are an incoming student, this may be among your top concerns as well. I can still vividly recall my first day in student housing. I spent the entirety of that day sequestered in my room, far too anxious to venture out and meet anyone. Fast forward to the present, and I can proudly say I’ve made some of the most meaningful friendships of my life.
The pivotal moment arrived when I opted to take gradual steps—striking up light conversations with others who were just as new and apprehensive. As time passed, these chats evolved into friendships, and I now feel as though I’ve uncovered a second family here at Imperial.
What lesson did I take away from this? That initial leap of faith is truly worthwhile. If you’re not prepared to jump in right away, that’s perfectly fine—there are numerous icebreaker events and chances to engage with peers. Above all, just be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you are sure to meet individuals who align with your interests and values.
### Overcoming Academic Obstacles
Another significant challenge was acclimating to the workload and the heightened complexity of the subject matter. The transition from A-levels to university was profound, and moving from the first term to the second felt even tougher. It’s easy to feel swamped or question your abilities when you observe others immersed in their studies and wonder if you’re keeping pace.
What aided me was recognizing that everyone is navigating the same challenges. If you find something perplexing, it’s likely that others are too. The essential takeaway is to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or the educators. This is possibly the most vital lesson I gleaned in my first year: don’t hesitate to ask for support.
### The Helpful Faculty
In terms of support, the faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They sincerely wish for students to thrive and are understanding of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they engaged in open dialogues with us, addressing our concerns and offering direction.
I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support offered until the end of the year, but I regret not doing so sooner. One of the best choices I made was to become a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to foster connections with faculty members, which proved invaluable. There are numerous avenues to interact with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university journey. My suggestion? Leverage the support and resources accessible to you—you can never have too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this year, it has shown me that the apprehension I felt—both prior to starting university and throughout the year—was frequently misplaced. With the abundant support from faculty and fellow students, I was never truly isolated. I’ve discovered how to manage stress from exams and deadlines while savoring moments of happiness and enjoyment.
University is a period of transformation, and while it may seem intimidating initially, it also presents a remarkable chance to uncover your strengths, forge enduring friendships, and tackle new challenges.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised 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/)*