**Reflections on My Inaugural 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 as I geared up to embark on my degree 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 a freshman. For someone who had always been introverted, plunging headlong into such a substantial shift felt intimidating. Reflecting on the past year, I now see it as a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained this year, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered at the outset was forming friendships. Beginning university can be quite intimidating, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, you may be experiencing similar anxieties. On my very first day in student housing, I spent countless hours secluded in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to others.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the best friendships of my life. My classmates and I have become akin to a second family, and it all initiated with brief conversations with others who felt just as anxious as I did.
What did I take away from this experience? That first step of bravery is always worthwhile. Even if you’re not fully prepared at the outset, don’t worry—there will be ample icebreaker events and chances to engage with others. Most crucially, remain true to yourself. With such a diverse group of individuals at university, you are sure to encounter others who resonate with your interests and values.
### Adapting to the Academic Load
Another significant challenge was adjusting to the heightened workload and the intricacies of the course content. The leap from A-levels to university was substantial, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated and question your capabilities when observing peers studying with confidence.
What aided me through this was the awareness that everyone is navigating similar waters. If you’re struggling to grasp something, chances are there are many others experiencing the same challenge. Seeking help became my most essential tool during the first year. Whether it’s reaching out to fellow students or faculty, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance—it truly changes everything.
### Helpful Faculty and Pastoral Support
Speaking of assistance, the staff within the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely care about student success and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they ensured consistent communication with us, addressing our worries and providing direction.
Although I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until later in the year, I regret not doing so sooner. One of my best decisions was to become a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to foster connections with staff members, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and I strongly encourage taking advantage of these opportunities. My key takeaway? Don’t shy away from utilizing the available resources and support systems—you can never have too much assistance.
### Important Takeaways from My First Year
Looking back, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt prior to starting university—and even throughout it—was frequently unfounded. With the plethora of support options offered by both staff and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned to manage the pressures of exams and deadlines while still enjoying moments of happiness, and I’ve grown more self-assured in the process.
If you’re about to embark on your own university journey, know that feeling nervous is perfectly normal. Take those bold steps, ask for help when necessary, and seize the opportunities to grow. You might be surprised by how much you can accomplish in just one year.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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