**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Almost a year ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the journey that awaited me. I was on the brink of commencing 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 introverted and quiet, embracing such a significant transition was intimidating. Now, in hindsight, I recognize an academic year filled with personal development, obstacles, and plenty of enjoyable moments. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current stance?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered at the onset of university was establishing friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you might be experiencing similar feelings. On my inaugural day in student housing, a few days prior to the official start of term, I spent the entirety of the day sequestered in my room. The prospect of emerging and introducing myself felt insurmountable.
Fast forward to now, and I can assertively claim that I’ve forged some of the finest friendships of my life. Here at Imperial and within my program, I’ve discovered a second family. It all commenced with simple chats with individuals who felt just as trepidatious as I did.
So, what did I take away from this? Taking that plunge at the beginning of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not entirely prepared or at ease, don’t be anxious—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With such a varied crowd at university, you are bound to encounter those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Addressing the Academic Trials
Another major obstacle was adapting to the demands of the coursework and the complexity of the subjects. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the escalation from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It was not always simple to maintain confidence, especially when observing others studying and feeling as though I was falling short.
What assisted me in navigating this was the realization that everyone was experiencing similar struggles. If I was struggling to grasp a concept, it was likely that others were too. The essential takeaway was to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or faculty. This was probably the most critical lesson I learned in my first year: do not hesitate to reach out for help.
### The Caring Staff
Speaking of support, the faculty in the Materials department are remarkable. They truly wish for students to thrive and are well aware of the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us and demonstrated understanding of our difficulties.
While I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had utilized it sooner. Taking up the role of a year well-being representative was one of the proactive steps I took at the start of the year. This role enabled me to establish connections with staff members, which turned out to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to bond with staff, and doing so can significantly enrich your university journey. My main insight here is to leverage the assistance and resources available—you can never have an excess of support.
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this past year, I have come to realize that the anxiety I experienced—both before embarking on my university adventure and throughout the year—was frequently misplaced. With the abundant support available from faculty and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve acquired the skill of balancing the stress of exams and deadlines with moments of enjoyment and happiness.
As I ponder my first year, I feel thankful for the challenges that urged me to evolve and for the friendships and support systems that made everything worthwhile.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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