**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I began a journey steeped in uncertainty and anxiety. Starting 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 was both thrilling and intimidating. As someone who has always been somewhat shy and introverted, the prospect of diving into university life was daunting. Now, reflecting on an academic year filled with growth, challenges, and remarkable experiences, I can assert it has been an extraordinary journey. So, what have I discovered, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most anxiety-inducing challenges I encountered was meeting new people and forming friendships. For many incoming students, this is a major concern about starting university. I recall spending my entire first day in my accommodation hiding in my room, too afraid to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had—friends who feel like family.
What shifted? I took a leap of faith and initiated brief conversations with people who were experiencing the same feelings as me. I learned that the secret lies in taking that first step, even when it feels a bit awkward. If you don’t feel ready immediately, that’s perfectly fine—there are numerous icebreaker events and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, I discovered that being authentic is the best strategy. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to encounter individuals with whom you share interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major obstacle was adjusting to the academic demands and the intensified difficulty of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was striking, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or question your capabilities when you observe others studying hard and seemingly thriving.
What supported me was reminding myself that everyone is in the same situation. If you’re finding it tough to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are too. My best advice is to seek help—whether from your classmates or the teaching staff. Learning to ask for assistance is one of the most essential skills you can acquire in your first year.
### Assistance from the Materials Department
Speaking of assistance, the faculty in the Materials department have been outstanding. They genuinely care about students’ success and understand the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept the lines of communication open and responded to our concerns.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support offered until later in the year, and I regret not utilizing it sooner. Becoming a year well-being representative was a courageous step for me, but it ended up being one of the best choices I made. It enabled me to forge connections with staff members, which turned out to be invaluable. Through either formal roles or casual interactions, getting to know the staff is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself. My key takeaway? Utilize the available support—you can never receive too much help.
### Lessons Acquired
This year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before and during university was frequently baseless. With the abundant support provided by both staff and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned to manage stressors like exams and deadlines while also prioritizing moments of joy and self-care.
Looking back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, resilience, and connection. If you’re about to commence your own university adventure, understand that it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious—but also remember that you’ll find your way, create meaningful bonds, and excel in ways you never thought possible.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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