**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, apprehension, and uncertainty about what was coming. I was set to embark on 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) at Imperial College London. As someone who had always been introverted and reserved, venturing into the unknown felt quite intimidating. Reflecting on the year now, I recognize it has been a time of significant personal development, various challenges, and ample enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained from this experience, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was the task of making friends. For many incoming students, this ranks high among the concerns about starting university, and I certainly felt this way. On my first day at the student residence, only days before classes kicked off, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself.
Fast forward to now, and I’m pleased to say I’ve developed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. At Imperial, I’ve discovered a supportive second family—both within my course and throughout the university. It all began with casual conversations and connecting with fellow students who were equally anxious.
So, what did I discover? Taking that initial step at the beginning of the year is invariably rewarding. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease straight away, don’t fret—there will be myriad ice-breaker events and chances to meet others. Above all, remain authentic. With a vibrant and varied student community, you are sure to encounter peers who share your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the volume of work and the complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was striking, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more daunting. It’s all too easy to feel swamped or question your capabilities when you observe others studying and doubt your own competence.
What assisted me in overcoming this was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar difficulties. If you find something unclear, it’s likely others do, too. The crucial point is to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or the faculty. This is undoubtedly one of the most essential skills to foster in your inaugural year.
### Establishing Connections with Supportive Educators
Speaking of educators, the Materials department at Imperial is exceptional. The lecturers and tutors sincerely aspire for students to thrive and are compassionate regarding the challenges we encounter. They uphold open lines of communication with us throughout the year and are consistently eager to assist.
Although I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral resources until the year’s conclusion, I regret not doing so earlier. Early on, I took a significant step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to forge connections with faculty members, which proved invaluable. There are various methods to engage with the staff, and doing so can substantially enhance your university experience. My primary takeaway? Make the most of the support offered to you—you can never have too much assistance.
### Lessons Gained
Upon reflecting on my first year, I’ve come to understand that the apprehension I felt—both prior to commencing university and throughout the year—was frequently unfounded. An abundance of support is available, from faculty to fellow students, to help navigate any obstacles.
This year has demonstrated to me that I’m never alone, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. It has illustrated how to manage stress from examinations and deadlines while finding joy and fun. Most importantly, it has been a year of transformation, and I’m eager to discover what the future brings.
**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/)*