**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was on the verge of starting 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. Being a naturally shy and introverted person, jumping into this new chapter seemed daunting. Reflecting now, I recognize an academic year filled with growth, obstacles, and an abundance of joy. So, what have I garnered from this experience, and what does my current situation look like?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most intimidating hurdles I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you may relate to that unease. On my first day in student housing, just days before the term kicked off, I spent the whole day secluded in my room. The idea of stepping outside and introducing myself was far too frightening.
Fast forward to the present, and I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I have ever experienced. The individuals I’ve encountered here, both within my course and throughout the university, have become like a second family to me. It simply required stepping out of my comfort zone and initiating small conversations with others who were equally anxious.
What did I discover? Taking that initial leap at the beginning of the year is consistently worthwhile. If you’re not entirely ready, fear not—there will be an abundance of icebreaker activities and chances to connect with others. Above all, just be yourself. Given the rich diversity at Imperial, you are sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Hurdles
Adapting to the workload and complexity of the course material represented another significant challenge. The transition from A-levels to university was palpable, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when you observe others studying and ponder whether you’re keeping pace.
What aided me in navigating this was the recognition that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you’re having difficulty grasping something, chances are others are too. The essential lesson here is to ask for assistance—be it from your classmates or the teaching staff. This turned out to be the most crucial insight I gained in my first year: don’t shy away from seeking support.
### The Exceptional Staff
Speaking of support, the personnel in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely care about students’ success and understand the obstacles we face. They resonate with us and keep lines of communication open throughout the year to tackle any challenges.
Although I didn’t fully tap into the available pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had taken advantage of it earlier. Early on, I made a bold move by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role enabled me to cultivate relationships with staff members, which proved invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway? Make full use of the help and resources at your disposal—you can never receive too much support.
### Insights Gained
This year has shown me that the anxiety I experienced before starting university—and even throughout the year—was often unfounded. With a plethora of support options provided by both staff and fellow students, there is always assistance available. I’ve come to realize that I’m never genuinely alone, and I’ve learned to balance having fun while managing the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
In hindsight, I take pride in the progress I’ve made. From the shy, uncertain fresher who sequestered themselves in their room on day one to someone who has developed, connected, and flourished, this year has indeed been a transformative experience.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*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/)*