**Thoughts 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 engulfed in anxiety, trepidation, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was on the verge of starting my adventure 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, venturing into the unknown was not within my comfort zone. Now, reflecting on the previous academic year, I see a time marked by significant personal development, challenges, and memorable experiences. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was the task of making new friends. The start of university can feel overwhelming, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, you may also have similar concerns. On my first day at student accommodation, just days before the term began, I spent the entire time sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet new people.
Fast forward to now, and I can assertively say I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had. At Imperial and within my program, I’ve discovered a second family. It merely required stepping out of my comfort zone and initiating small conversations with those who were experiencing the same feelings.
What have I taken away from this? I learned that taking a risk at the start of the year is always worthwhile. If you don’t feel ready or at ease right away, don’t fret—there are abundant ice-breaker activities and chances to meet others. Most importantly, I found that being authentic is essential. With such a varied community of students, you’re sure to encounter people who align with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Challenges
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the demands of the workload and the heightened intensity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your own capabilities when observing others studying and thriving.
What assisted me in navigating these moments was the epiphany that everyone shares the same struggles. If you don’t grasp a concept, others are likely grappling with it too. The best course of action is to seek assistance. This is perhaps the most crucial insight I acquired in my first year—don’t shy away from reaching out to classmates or faculty for help.
### The Significance of Support and Community
Speaking of faculty, the Materials Science department at Imperial is remarkable. The lecturers and tutors are genuinely invested in your success and are aware of the hurdles students encounter. They encourage open communication throughout the year and are consistently available to assist.
I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support available until the conclusion of the year, and I regret not doing so sooner. At the beginning of the year, I took an initiative by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position enabled me to forge connections with staff members, which turned out to be an invaluable experience. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university journey. My key takeaway? Make the most of the support accessible to you—you can never receive too much help!
### Insights Gained
In hindsight, this year has revealed to me that the anxiety I felt prior to and during university was frequently unwarranted. With a broad spectrum of support options provided by both faculty and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve acquired the ability to navigate the stress of exams and deadlines while also enjoying moments of joy and fun.
In conclusion, my inaugural year at Imperial has been a transformative journey. It’s been a path of growth, learning, and forging connections that I will treasure for years to come. If you’re preparing to embark on your own university journey, my message is straightforward: take the plunge, be yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance. You’ve got this!
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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*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/)*