**Reflections 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 engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. I was on the brink of beginning 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. For someone who had always been introverted and reserved, plunging into this new phase felt daunting. Now, reflecting on an academic year brimming with growth, challenges, and remarkable experiences, I recognize how much I’ve evolved and the progress I’ve made.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Friendship
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. Beginning university can be overwhelming, and if you are a prospective student reading this, it’s probably one of your concerns as well. On my first day in student housing, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too anxious to go out and greet others.
Fast forward to now, I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. My friends here have evolved into my second family, and it all initiated with brief conversations with individuals who felt just as apprehensive as I did.
So, what did I discover? The secret lies in taking that early leap of faith. Even if you’re not prepared or don’t feel at ease immediately, don’t fret—there will be abundant icebreaker events and chances to engage with others. Most crucially, just remain true to yourself. With such a diverse community at Imperial, you’re destined to encounter people who resonate with your interests and beliefs.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major obstacle was adapting to the academic workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the adjustment from the first term to the second felt even more demanding. It’s all too easy to become overwhelmed or doubt your capabilities when observing others studying and thriving.
What helped me through those tough times was realizing everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, the likelihood is that others are too. The best course of action is to seek assistance. This might be the utmost important lesson I gleaned during my first year—do not hesitate to approach your classmates or faculty for help.
### The Supportive Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is outstanding. The instructors and tutors genuinely care about student success and are understanding of the obstacles we encounter. They maintain an open dialogue throughout the academic year and are always willing to address any issues.
Though I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support until the end of the term, I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. Accepting the role of a well-being representative for my year was one of the leaps I took at the onset of the year. This role enabled me to foster connections with staff members, which turned out to be an invaluable opportunity. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and engaging with them can significantly enhance your university experience. My suggestion? Utilize the support available to you—there’s no such thing as too much help!
### Insights Gained
This year has shown me that the anxiety I felt—both prior to commencing university and during my first year—was frequently unfounded. With the wealth of support from faculty and fellow students, I realized I was never genuinely alone. I learned how to manage the stress from exams and deadlines alongside moments of happiness and enjoyment.
Looking back, I can see how much I’ve matured, not just academically but also personally. If you’re about to embark on your own university journey, know that it’s perfectly normal to feel apprehensive. Take those leaps, embrace the challenges, and remember that assistance is always accessible.
By Dawson La
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