**Reflections on My Initial 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 doubt about what lay ahead. I was on the brink 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. As someone who had always been introverted and reserved, diving into the unfamiliar felt intimidating. Looking back now, I see a school year filled with personal development, obstacles, and unforgettable experiences. But what lessons have I taken away, and what is my current stance?
### Confronting the Difficulty of Making Friends
One of the most daunting parts of starting university was forging friendships. If you’re an upcoming student reading this, you might share similar feelings. On my first day in my student accommodation, just a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day cloistered in my room, too anxious to step out and meet new people. Fast forward to now, and I’m proud to say I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced.
Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, both within my program and throughout the university. It all started with brief chats and connecting with others who were equally as apprehensive. The biggest takeaway? Embrace that leap of faith early on. If you don’t feel ready, don’t fret—there will be ample ice-breakers and activities to help you engage with others. And, above all, just be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to find people who align with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Shift
Adapting to the academic workload and demands was another major challenge. The transition from A-levels to university was quite marked, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s natural to feel daunted and doubt your abilities when surrounded by high-achieving fellow students.
What assisted me in navigating this was the realization that everyone is facing similar struggles. If you’re having a tough time grasping something, it’s likely that others are too. The essential thing to remember is to reach out for assistance—whether from your classmates or teaching staff. Learning to seek help is arguably the most significant skill you can acquire during your first year.
### Assistance from the Materials Department
On the topic of assistance, the staff in the Materials department are exceptional. They truly care about student success and understand the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open and responded to our concerns.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until the year’s end, I regret not doing it sooner. Taking on the role of a year well-being representative was a brave step I took at the beginning of the year, and it proved to be a fulfilling experience. It allowed me to cultivate connections with staff members, which turned out to be invaluable. Whether through formal roles or casual chats, getting acquainted with the staff is one of the best actions you can take for your own benefit. My counsel? Make full use of the support and resources at your disposal—you can never seek too much help!
### Insights Gained
This year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before university—and even during—was frequently unwarranted. With the vast support from staff and fellow students, I came to understand that I was never genuinely alone. I also learned how to juggle exam pressures and deadlines with moments of enjoyment and fun.
Reflecting on it all, my first year in Materials Science and Engineering has been a transformative journey. It’s been a path of growth, perseverance, and connection, and I’m eager to see what lies ahead as I continue this adventure.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized under: Uncategorised*
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