**Reflections on My Initial Year Studying Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
A decade ago, in October 2022, I was consumed by anxiety, apprehension, and doubt regarding what was to come. I was about to commence my venture 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, stepping into the unknown felt quite intimidating. Reflecting now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and numerous unforgettable experiences. But what insights did this year provide, and what is my standing today?
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most anxiety-inducing obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. Commencing university can be daunting, and if you’re a future student reading this, it’s probably one of your primary worries as well. On my first day moving into my residence, just days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too fearful to venture out and meet others.
Now, looking back, I’m proud to declare that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever known. These bonds have turned into my second family here at Imperial, starting with brief discussions with individuals who were equally anxious as I was.
So, what did I come to understand? Taking that first leap of faith at the beginning of the year is key. If you’re not prepared or don’t feel at ease immediately, that’s perfectly fine—there are ample icebreaker gatherings and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, remain true to yourself. With such a diverse population at Imperial, you’re bound to meet people who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
A further significant challenge was adapting to the new workload and the heightened complexity of course material. The transition from A-levels to university was substantial, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more daunting. Being in a rigorous academic atmosphere can occasionally shake your self-assurance, especially when you observe others studying and worry you’re lagging behind.
What assisted me in this journey was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, there’s a good chance others are grappling with it as well. The crucial point is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or faculty. This is arguably the most vital lesson I absorbed in my first year: don’t hesitate to request help.
### The Incredible Supportive Staff
On the topic of support, the faculty in the Materials department are remarkable. They sincerely care about students’ success and are well aware of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us and demonstrated compassion for our difficulties.
I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support accessible until the year’s end, and I regret not doing so earlier. At the start of the year, I took a bold step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to forge connections with staff members, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to cultivate relationships with the staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My main takeaway here? Make the most of the support systems available—you can never benefit too much from assistance.
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve come to realize that the apprehension I felt—both leading up to and during university—was frequently unwarranted. With the extensive range of support available from faculty and fellow peers, I was never genuinely alone. This year taught me how to balance stress from assessments and deadlines with moments of enjoyment and fun.
In the end, my first year at Imperial has been a journey of development, and I’m eager to discover what lies ahead. If you’re gearing up to begin your own university journey, keep in mind: take that leap, seek help, and be yourself.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*