**Insights from My Inaugural 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, apprehension, and doubt about the future. I was about to begin 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. For someone who had always been introverted and reserved, venturing into the unfamiliar was a frightening prospect. Now, reflecting on an academic year filled with personal development, challenges, and memorable moments, I recognize how much I’ve grown and the progress I’ve made.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered at the onset of university was forming friendships. If you’re a prospective student perusing this, you could likely relate. On my inaugural day in student housing, I spent hours retreating to my room, too anxious to venture out and meet new people. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently say I’ve established some of the most meaningful friendships of my life.
The pivotal moment was when I decided to take the initiative to engage in brief conversations with others who were experiencing the same situation. That small act of bravery blossomed into the creation of a second family here at Imperial. My suggestion? Take that leap early. Even if you don’t feel prepared right away, it’s alright—plenty of icebreaker events and chances to meet new people will arise. Most importantly, just be yourself. In such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to encounter individuals who share your passions and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was significant, and the shift from the first to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s all too easy to feel swamped or question your capabilities when witnessing others studying and thriving.
What helped me the most was coming to the realization that I wasn’t in this alone. Everyone was grappling with the same difficulties, and if I didn’t grasp a concept, chances were others didn’t either. The crucial takeaway here is to seek assistance. Whether it’s from classmates or faculty members, reaching out for help is one of the most vital skills to cultivate during your first year.
### The Value of Supportive Educators
Speaking of assistance, the Materials Science faculty at Imperial are outstanding. They genuinely wish for students to succeed and understand the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication and offered numerous resources to support our success.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until the end of the year, I wish I had engaged earlier. Early on, I became a well-being representative for my year, which helped me forge strong relationships with staff members. This proved to be an invaluable opportunity. Whether through formal roles or casual interactions, fostering connections with your lecturers and support team is one of the best steps you can take for yourself. Embrace all the help that’s available—one can never have too much support!
### Experiences Gained
Looking back, this year has imparted a wealth of knowledge. The apprehension I felt before entering university, alongside the anxiety I faced during the year, was frequently unwarranted. With the abundance of support offered by both faculty and fellow students, I discovered that I was never genuinely alone.
Most crucially, I learned how to manage stress from exams and deadlines while still embracing moments of happiness and enjoyment. University is an era of transformation, and while it presents its challenges, it also grants endless opportunities for self-exploration and social connection.
If you are about to embark on your own university adventure, understand that feeling nervous is completely normal. But also recognize that you’ll possess the tools and support necessary to conquer those nerves and flourish.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*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/)*