**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 anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was about to begin 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 introverted, plunging into university life seemed daunting. Now, reflecting on an academic year bursting with growth, challenges, and a lot of fun, I can appreciate how much I’ve evolved and progressed.
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting parts of beginning university was the challenge of making friends. If you’re a future student reading this, you might resonate with those feelings. On my first day in student accommodation, just days before classes started, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too anxious to go out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever known.
The bonds I’ve built here feel like a second family, and it took merely stepping outside of my comfort zone and engaging in small conversations with others who were experiencing the same feelings. What I’ve realized is that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is always rewarding. If you’re not quite ready or feel uneasy right away, that’s perfectly fine! There are numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. Above all, simply be yourself. With such a varied group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re sure to find those who share your interests and values.
### Facing the Academic Hurdles
Another major obstacle was adapting to the volume of work and the complexity of the course material. The leap from A-levels to university was significant, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or question your skills when you observe others studying and wonder if you measure up.
The crucial lesson I absorbed was that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something difficult to grasp, it’s likely that others are too. The best action you can take is to seek assistance. This is arguably the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year—don’t hesitate to approach your peers or the teaching staff for help.
### Assistance from the Materials Department
Speaking of staff, I can’t stress enough how wonderful the Materials Science team is. They genuinely care about students’ success and are well aware of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept communication lines open with us and displayed understanding toward our difficulties.
Although I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support available until the year concluded, I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. Serving as a year well-being representative was one of the bold moves I made early on, and it proved to be extremely fulfilling. It allowed me to forge connections with staff members, which is invaluable. Whether through formal roles or informal interactions, getting to know the staff is among the best things you can do for yourself. My main takeaway here is to utilize the support available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Looking back, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt—both before commencing university and throughout the year—was often misplaced. There’s a wealth of support available, from both staff and fellow students, to guide you through challenges. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve figured out how to balance having fun with managing the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
As I progress, I’m thankful for the growth, friendships, and experiences that have defined my first year. To anyone about to embark on their own university adventure: take that leap, face the challenges, and remember that support is always just around the corner.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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