**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was about to begin 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 has always been introverted and shy, venturing into the unknown was an alien concept. Reflecting on this past academic year, I recognize a journey filled with personal development, challenges, and numerous joyful experiences. But what insights have I gained from this journey, and what is my current position?
### Confronting the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was the task of making friends. If you’re an incoming student perusing this, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my first day of moving into my new residence, just prior to the beginning of the term, I spent the entirety of that day concealed in my room, too daunted to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly assert that I’ve developed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced—friends who have become like family.
What aided me in reaching this point? It all commenced with casual conversations and connecting with individuals who shared my uncertainties. My key takeaway? Dare to take that early leap of faith. If you’re feeling hesitant or uncomfortable, don’t fret—there will be an abundance of icebreaker events and chances to meet new people. Above all, remain true to yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you are bound to encounter individuals who resonate with you.
### Confronting the Academic Shift
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the demanding workload and complex material. The transition from A-levels to university was palpable, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more significant. It’s easy to become daunted or doubt your capabilities when observing others study and appear to have everything under control.
What helped me navigate those overwhelming moments was the understanding that everyone was grappling with similar issues. If you find something perplexing, there’s a good chance that others feel the same way. The essential strategy is to seek assistance—be it from classmates or staff. Learning to request help is probably the most crucial lesson I took from my initial year.
### The Encouraging Community in Materials
Regarding the staff, I cannot stress enough how wonderful the Materials department is. The faculty genuinely wishes for students to thrive and shows empathy towards the challenges we encounter. They uphold open lines of communication throughout the year and are always willing to tackle our concerns.
I didn’t make full use of the available pastoral support until the latter part of the year, and I regret not utilizing it sooner. At the year’s start, I took a brave step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to foster connections with staff members, which proved to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My suggestion? Seize the opportunity to access the support that’s available—you can never have too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this past year, I have come to understand that the anxiety I experienced—both prior to and during university—was often unwarranted. With the abundance of support from faculty and fellow students, I came to realize I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned how to manage stress from exams and deadlines while still carving out time for enjoyment and relaxation.
As I look back on my first year, I feel thankful for the personal growth, the friendships formed, and the lessons learned. If you’re on the brink of your own university adventure, understand that it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious—but also know that you’re entering an environment rich in support and opportunities.
*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/)*