**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Approximately ten months ago, in October 2022, I began a journey that was accompanied by feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Entering my degree 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) as a first-year student felt akin to plunging into deep waters—something my formerly shy and introverted self found quite challenging. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and memorable experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current position?
### Conquering the Hesitation of Forming Friendships
One of the primary obstacles I encountered when starting university was the challenge of making friends. It’s an intimidating prospect for many, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be one of your foremost worries. On my inaugural day in student housing, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to others.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever experienced. The individuals I’ve met here at Imperial, within my program and beyond, have become akin to a second family for me. All it required was stepping outside my comfort zone and initiating small conversations with others who were equally in search of connection.
What did I discover? Taking that first step at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not ready or comfortable immediately, that’s completely valid! There are numerous ice-breaking events and opportunities to connect with others. Most importantly, remain true to yourself. With such a diverse community at Imperial, you will likely find individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Obstacles
Adapting to the academic demands and the heightened complexity of university-level material was another prominent challenge. The leap from A-levels to university was apparent, and the transition from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated or doubt your capabilities when observing others studying and seemingly thriving.
What aided me in overcoming this was the understanding that everyone is traversing similar paths. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The critical thing is to seek assistance—whether from colleagues or faculty members. Learning to ask for help was one of the most valuable lessons I gleaned from my first year.
### The Significance of Supportive Faculty
Speaking of assistance, the staff in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely wish to see students succeed and show empathy towards the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open channels of communication with us, addressing our inquiries and offering support.
I didn’t fully engage with the pastoral support available until the close of the year, and I regret not doing so earlier. One of the best decisions I made was to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with faculty, resulting in valuable experiences. There are numerous ways to cultivate relationships with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My suggestion? Utilize the support and resources available to you—there’s never too much help!
### Insights Gained
Looking back, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced before starting university—and even throughout the year—was often unfounded. With the abundance of support from both faculty and fellow students, I came to realize I was never genuinely alone. I also learned how to balance the stresses of exams and deadlines with moments of enjoyment and laughter.
In conclusion, my first year at Imperial has been a transformative experience. It’s been a phase of growth, education, and developing connections that I will treasure for years ahead. If you’re about to embark on your own university journey, understand that it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious—but rest assured, you’ll have all the resources and support you need to flourish.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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