**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 engulfed in anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was on the verge of embarking on my first-year adventure 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 and cautious, stepping into the unknown wasn’t precisely where I felt at ease. Now, reflecting on the year gone by, I recognize a time of substantial personal development, hurdles, and innumerable moments of happiness. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. For many newcomers, this can be one of the scariest parts of entering university. I distinctly remember my first day in student housing, just days before classes commenced. I spent the entire day concealed in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others.
Fast forward to the present, and I can assertively say that I’ve formed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced. The individuals I’ve met here—both within my program and throughout the university—have become like a second family to me. All it required was stepping beyond my comfort zone and engaging in casual conversations with others who were feeling similarly.
What did I take away from this experience? Firstly, it’s essential to make that initial leap at the beginning of the year. If you’re not quite prepared or feel uncomfortable right away, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. Secondly, simply be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you will definitely find people who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the rigorous workload and heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was palpable, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more significant. It’s easy to feel daunted or question your capabilities when surrounded by high-performing peers.
What assisted me in managing this was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, it’s likely that others are, too. The crucial part is to seek assistance—whether it’s from your classmates or the teaching faculty. Learning to request support could be one of the most indispensable skills to cultivate in your first year.
### Establishing Relationships with Faculty
On the topic of support, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely wish for students to thrive and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open with us and were consistently ready to address our concerns.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until the latter part of the year, and I regret not having done so sooner. One of the best choices I made was to become a year wellbeing representative. This position enabled me to cultivate relationships with faculty members, which turned out to be an invaluable experience. There are many approaches to connect with faculty, and I highly encourage taking advantage of these opportunities. The support and guidance they can provide can profoundly influence your experience.
### Essential Lessons Learned
Reflecting back, this past year has shown me that the anxiety I felt—both before and during university—was frequently unfounded. With the extensive support available from staff and fellow students, I was never genuinely isolated. I’ve come to embrace challenges, ask for help when necessary, and discover joy even amid the demands of exams and deadlines.
University is a time of development, and while the journey may appear overwhelming initially, it’s also exceedingly rewarding. To anyone getting ready for this leap, remember: be yourself, seek help, and don’t hesitate to venture outside of your comfort zone. You can do this!
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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