**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what awaited me. I was about to commence 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). As someone who has always been introverted and quiet, diving into this new environment felt incredibly intimidating. Reflecting on the past year, I can confidently say it has been a remarkable transformation—full of progress, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most daunting challenges I confronted was forging friendships. For numerous incoming students, this is one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of starting college, and I was no different. On my inaugural day at the student residence, just days before classes commenced, I spent an entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Now, looking back, I can proudly state that I’ve cultivated some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever encountered—friends who feel like family.
How did this evolution occur? It began with casual conversations and reaching out to others who were experiencing similar feelings of apprehension. The most significant lesson I learned is the importance of taking that courageous step early on. Even if you feel unprepared, there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to engage with others. Above all, remember to be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another significant obstacle was adapting to the increased workload and the heightened complexity of the curriculum. The transition from A-levels to university was considerable, and the leap from the first term to the second proved to be even more formidable. It’s common to feel swamped or question your capabilities, particularly when observing others study and assume they have everything under control.
What aided me during this phase was the awareness that everyone is navigating similar challenges. If you find yourself grappling with a concept, it’s likely that others are experiencing the same struggle. The essential approach is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or faculty. Cultivating the habit of asking for help is one of the most beneficial skills to foster in your first year.
### The Value of Support
On the topic of support, the staff within the Materials department are truly exceptional. They genuinely wish to see students excel and are compassionate towards the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication and were consistently ready to address our issues.
I must admit that I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support services until the latter part of the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of them earlier. One of the best choices I made was serving as a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to forge meaningful connections with staff members, which turned out to be invaluable. There are various avenues to interact with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university journey. My primary takeaway here is to leverage the available support systems—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
In retrospective contemplation, this year has imparted a wealth of knowledge. Those anxious feelings I endured—both prior to commencing university and throughout the year—were largely unfounded. With the extensive array of support from staff and fellow students, I recognized I was never genuinely alone. I also learned how to navigate the stress of exams and deadlines alongside moments of happiness and enjoyment.
Ultimately, my first year at Imperial has been a voyage of growth, self-discovery, and meaningful connections. If you’re an incoming student feeling apprehensive about what lies ahead, rest assured that it’s perfectly normal to feel this way. Take the plunge, embrace the challenges, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support. You’ll find your niche, just as I did.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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