**Reflections on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and a sense of uncertainty regarding what awaited me. I was on the verge of commencing my first year as a 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, jumping into this new phase felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on an academic year marked by growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment, I can appreciate how much I’ve evolved and how significant my progress has been.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most daunting parts of entering university was forming friendships. If you are an incoming student reading this, you may resonate with similar feelings. On my initial day in student housing, a few days before the term officially commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to peers.
Fast forward to now, and I can assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships of my life. The individuals I’ve encountered here—both in my program and throughout the university—have become like a second family. All it took was stepping outside my comfort zone and initiating brief conversations with others in a similar situation.
What is my takeaway? Taking that first step at the beginning of the year is invaluable. If you’re not prepared right away, don’t stress—there will be ample icebreaker activities and chances to connect with others. Most crucially, just be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re certain to find individuals who align with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Challenges
Adapting to the academic load and the increased difficulty was yet another notable obstacle. The transition from A-levels to university was evident, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more daunting. It’s easy to feel swamped or doubt oneself when observing others study and appear to excel.
What supported me was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, chances are, others are too. Seeking assistance became my most crucial lesson in the first year. Whether contacting classmates or requesting guidance from faculty, don’t hesitate to inquire.
### Assistance from the Materials Department
Speaking of faculty, the support framework within the Materials Science and Engineering department is exceptional. The lecturers and pastoral staff genuinely care about students’ success and are always eager to assist. They recognize the challenges student face and keep communication channels open throughout the year.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had engaged sooner. Early on, I took a proactive step by becoming a year well-being representative, which enabled me to cultivate connections with staff members. This turned out to be an invaluable experience. There are multiple avenues to engage with staff, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My advice? Make the most of the support available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights from My First Year
Looking back, this year has revealed to me that the anxiety I faced prior to starting university—and even during it—was frequently unwarranted. With the extensive support from both faculty and classmates, I was never truly alone. I’ve learned to navigate the pressures from exams and deadlines while also embracing moments of joy and fun, and I’ve matured in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
To anyone about to embark on their own university path: take that plunge, face the challenges head-on, and don’t hesitate to seek help. You’ll emerge stronger on the other side.
*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)*