**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 overwhelmed with anxiety, trepidation, and doubt about the future. I was gearing up to start 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 For someone who has always been introverted and withdrawn, fully immersing myself in university life felt intimidating. Now, as I reflect on an academic year rich with development, hurdles, and a lot of enjoyment, I can contemplate what this journey has revealed and my current position.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered initially was making connections. The beginning of university can be quite overwhelming, and if you’re a future student perusing this, it’s likely one of the aspects making you most anxious. On my very first day in the student housing, just days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too apprehensive to venture out and meet others.
Fast forward to the present, and I can proudly say I’ve developed some of the finest friendships I’ve ever experienced. The individuals I’ve met have turned into my second family, both within my academic program and throughout the university. All it required was stepping beyond my comfort level and engaging in light conversations with others who were equally uncertain.
What lesson did I gain? Taking that initial step at the beginning of the year is vital. If you’re not prepared or don’t feel at ease right away, don’t fret—there are numerous icebreaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, be authentic. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to encounter individuals who align with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the subject matter. The leap from A-levels to university was palpable, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more daunting. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when observing others studying and wondering if you’re managing to keep pace.
What assisted me in overcoming this was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, there’s a good chance others are confused as well. The key is to ask for assistance—whether from classmates or teaching staff. Learning to seek help might be the most crucial skill you can hone in your first year.
### The Importance of Supportive Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is remarkable. The lecturers and tutors sincerely aspire for students to thrive and demonstrate understanding of the hurdles we encounter. They keep communication channels open throughout the year and are always eager to provide assistance.
I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support available until the year’s end, and I wish I had realized its worth earlier. At the start of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to foster robust relationships with staff members, which turned out to be invaluable. Whether through formal roles or informal interactions, familiarizing yourself with your lecturers and tutors is among the best things you can do for yourself. My primary takeaway? Utilize the support offered—you can never have too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
Looking back on my first year, I’ve come to understand that the anxiety I experienced—both prior to commencing university and throughout the year—was often misplaced. With the extensive range of support available from faculty and fellow students, I was never truly alone. This year has shown me how to manage the stress from exams and deadlines while embracing moments of joy and self-exploration.
To anyone gearing up for their own university experience: welcome the challenges, take those leaps of confidence, and don’t hesitate to seek help when necessary. You might just astonish yourself with how much you evolve along the journey.
*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/)*