**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to begin my experience 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 has always leaned towards being shy and reserved, plunging into this fresh chapter was intimidating. Now, as I look back on the previous academic year, I recognize it as a time of substantial personal development, challenges, and numerous unforgettable experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the major obstacles I encountered at the beginning was forming friendships—a typical worry for numerous new students. If you’re delving into this as an incoming student, it’s probable that this issue looms large for you as well. On my first day in student housing, mere days before classes started, I spent an entire day secluded in my room, far too intimidated to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced.
The pivotal moment transpired when I initiated small conversations with fellow students who were in similar situations. As time progressed, those exchanges evolved into genuine friendships, and I now view my friends here as a second family. What wisdom have I drawn from this journey? Firstly, take the initiative early. Even if you’re hesitant, there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to engage with others. Secondly, always remain true to yourself. With such a rich and varied community at Imperial, you are sure to discover individuals who resonate with you.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was acclimatizing to the workload and the elevated complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second felt particularly overwhelming. It’s easy to feel swamped and question your skills, especially when you observe others studying and apparently thriving.
What aided me through this difficulty was the realization that everyone shares this experience. If you’re finding something hard to grasp, it’s likely that others are, too. The crucial action is to seek assistance—whether from your peers or the instructors. This is perhaps the most vital lesson I learned during my first year: don’t hesitate to ask for help.
### Cultivating Relationships with Staff
Speaking of support, the faculty in the Materials department are exceptional. They genuinely care about students’ success and understand the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication and provided various forms of assistance.
Although I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support until later in the year, I regret not doing so earlier. Stepping into the role of a year well-being representative was a bold move for me, but it turned into a gratifying experience. It enabled me to establish connections with staff members, which proved to be invaluable. Whether through formal positions or casual interactions, getting acquainted with the faculty is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. My suggestion? Utilize the support available—you can never receive too much assistance.
### Takeaways
Reflecting on the past year, it has taught me that much of the anxiety I felt prior to starting university—and even during my time there—was often unnecessary. With the abundance of support from both staff and peers, I discovered I was never truly alone. I also learned how to balance the stress of exams and deadlines with enjoyable moments of fun.
In conclusion, my first year at Imperial has been a life-changing experience. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and forging connections that I will treasure for years ahead. If you are about to embark on your own university journey, take that plunge, welcome the challenges, and remember—you’ve got this!
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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