**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was on the brink of starting my path 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. As someone who had always been reserved and introverted, plunging into this new phase felt like being cast into deep waters. Now, as I reflect on this academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and a plethora of unforgettable experiences. But what insights have I gained from this journey, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting elements of commencing university was the prospect of making friends. If you’re a future student reading this, you might relate. On my first day in student housing, just days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day retreating into my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve cultivated some of the finest friendships I’ve ever had.
These relationships didn’t materialize overnight; they commenced with minor interactions—simple chats with individuals who were experiencing the same feelings. Gradually, I discovered a second family here at Imperial, both within my program and across the institution. The most significant takeaway from this experience is to take that initial leap of faith early on. If you’re not prepared to jump right in, don’t fret—there will be an abundance of ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you are sure to find peers who share your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Obstacles
Adapting to the academic workload and the heightened difficulty of the subject matter was another major challenge. The shift from A-levels to university was a notable transition, and the leap from the first term to the second was even more significant. It’s easy to feel inundated or doubt your capacity, especially when you observe others around you appearing to thrive.
What assisted me in tackling these challenges was the understanding that everyone is facing similar struggles. If you’re finding it tough to grasp a concept, there’s a good chance others might be too. The essential strategy is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or faculty. This is arguably the most crucial skill to develop in your first year.
### The Value of Support
Speaking of faculty, I cannot stress enough how remarkable the Materials department team is. They sincerely wish for students to thrive and are always understanding of the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept channels of communication open and were consistently willing to address our concerns.
Although I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support available until later in the year, I regret not doing so sooner. Early on, I took a step by becoming a year well-being representative, which enabled me to forge connections with faculty members. This proved to be immensely beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My primary message here? Take full advantage of the support systems at your disposal—you can never receive too much help.
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this year, I’ve learned that the apprehension I felt—both prior to starting university and throughout the year—was frequently misplaced. There exists a plethora of support, from staff to fellow students, ready to help you maneuver any challenges. I’ve realized that I’m never truly isolated and that it’s perfectly feasible to have fun even amid the pressures of exams and deadlines.
This first year has been a life-changing experience, filled with growth, resilience, and happiness. To anyone gearing up to begin their own university adventure: take the plunge, embrace the hurdles, and don’t forget to rely on the support surrounding you.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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