**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future. I was on the verge of beginning 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. For someone who had always been introverted and quiet, jumping into such a fresh and demanding environment felt intimidating. Looking back, I now see a year filled with personal development, challenges, and ample fun. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered at the beginning of university was making friends. If you’re an incoming student, this might be one of your main worries as well. On my first day of moving into accommodation—just a few days prior to the official term starting—I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too anxious about stepping out and introducing myself to others.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever known. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, both within my course and across the university. What brought me to this point? It all initiated with taking small steps—engaging in casual conversations with people who were experiencing similar feelings.
The most important lesson I’ve taken away is that stepping outside your comfort zone at the year’s start is always worthwhile. If you’re not prepared or at ease right away, don’t stress—there are numerous icebreaker events and chances to mingle with others. Most crucially, just be yourself. With such a diverse student body, you are sure to meet individuals who share your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Obstacles
Another major challenge was adapting to the increased workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was significant, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It wasn’t always simple to maintain confidence in this setting, especially when I observed my peers studying and felt like I was falling short.
What helped me navigate those periods of self-doubt was reminding myself that everyone was in a similar situation. If I found something confusing, it was likely that others were grappling with it too. That’s when I internalized one of the most crucial lessons of my first year: don’t hesitate to seek help. Whether it’s from fellow students or faculty, reaching out for assistance can make a world of difference.
### Assistance from the Materials Department
On the topic of support, I can’t express enough how extraordinary the staff in the Materials department are. They genuinely want students to thrive and are fully aware of the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication, addressing our worries and offering guidance.
Although I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support available to me until late in the year, I wish I had leveraged it earlier. Taking the initiative to seek help sooner would have alleviated some challenges. Conversely, one bold move I made early on was becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to form connections with staff members, which has proven to be incredibly valuable.
There are various ways to familiarize yourself with the staff, and I strongly encourage you to seize those opportunities. Whether through formal positions, office hours, or informal chats, nurturing those relationships can enhance your university experience. My primary takeaway? Don’t shy away from utilizing the resources and support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve come to realize that the anxiety I experienced—both before beginning university and throughout the year—was often unwarranted. With the plethora of support options accessible from staff and fellow students, there’s always someone you can turn to.
This year has revealed to me that I’m never truly alone, even during high-stress situations like exams and deadlines. It has also shown me how to balance diligent work with enjoyment, maximizing my university experience.
As I progress, I’m thankful for the growth, friendships, and lessons that this year has presented. For anyone about to embark on their own university adventure, my advice is straightforward: take the plunge, be authentic, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
*Tagged: [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag