**Reflections on My Initial Year Studying 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 about the future. I was on the brink of starting 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 had always been introspective and quiet, facing the unknown felt daunting. Now, reflecting on an academic year brimming with growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment, I can appreciate how much I’ve developed and how far I’ve progressed.
### Conquering the Initial Hurdle: Creating Friendships
Among the most daunting elements of starting university was the task of making friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, it’s probably a concern for you as well. I recall my first day in student housing, several days before the term commenced officially. I spent the entire day remaining in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to others.
Now, looking back, I can say with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. The individuals I’ve encountered here have become like a second family to me. It merely required me to step outside my comfort zone and engage in small conversations with others who were experiencing the same feelings as I was.
So, what did I discover? I realized that taking initiative early is always beneficial. If you don’t feel prepared immediately, don’t fret—there are numerous icebreaker activities and chances to connect with people. Most importantly, I learned to simply be myself. With such a varied group of individuals throughout the course and the university, you’re sure to find those who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the new workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to be overwhelmed or doubt your capabilities when you observe others studying and ponder whether you’re keeping pace.
What aided me immensely was reminding myself that everyone shared the same experience. If I was struggling with something, it was likely that others were too. The essential lesson was to ask for assistance—whether from classmates or faculty. This became perhaps the most crucial insight I gained in my first year: don’t hesitate to seek help.
### The Encouraging Staff
Speaking of help, the staff in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely desire for students to excel and are acutely aware of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us and showed a deep understanding of our challenges.
I didn’t fully utilize the available pastoral care until late in the year, and I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. At the beginning of the year, I did take a step forward by becoming a year well-being representative. This role facilitated the development of relationships with staff, which proved to be invaluable.
There are numerous ways to connect with staff, and I strongly encourage doing so. They’re ready to assist, and there’s never too much support. My main takeaway here is to fully leverage the resources and assistance accessible to you.
### Key Takeaways
Looking back, this year has taught me that the anxiety I experienced—both prior to and during university—was largely unwarranted. With the extensive support options from staff and fellow students, I was never truly isolated. I’ve learned how to manage the stress from exams and deadlines while also enjoying moments of happiness and fun.
Starting university can feel like a significant and daunting leap into the unknown, but it also presents a remarkable opportunity for growth, connection, and self-exploration. If you are about to embark on your own journey, remember to embrace the challenges, seek help when necessary, and most importantly, relish the experience.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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