**Insights from My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was engulfed in feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding the journey that lay ahead. I was on the verge of embarking on my first-year experience 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 has always been introverted and reserved, plunging into this new phase was quite daunting. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and a great deal of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and how has this journey shaped my path?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Friendships
One of the most daunting challenges at the onset of university was the prospect of making new friends. If you’re a prospective student perusing this, you might resonate with these feelings—it’s a common concern. On my first day in student housing, right before classes commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to fellow students. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships of my life.
At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, beginning with simple conversations with peers who were experiencing the same feelings. What did I learn? I realized that taking a courageous step at the beginning of the year is always rewarding. If you don’t feel prepared or comfortable immediately, that’s perfectly fine—there will be ample icebreaker gatherings and chances to engage with others. Most importantly, I found that being authentic is crucial. With such a diverse community at Imperial, you’re sure to connect with individuals who share your passions and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the demanding workload and the heightened complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was palpable, and moving from the first term to the second term felt even more daunting. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or question your capabilities when observing classmates studying and wondering if you’re keeping up.
What assisted me during these times was the understanding that everyone is encountering similar obstacles. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The most beneficial action you can take is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or faculty. Learning to ask for help is potentially the most vital skill you can cultivate in your first year.
### The Remarkable Staff
On the subject of support, the faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely care about student success and exhibit empathy towards the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication and responded thoughtfully to our concerns.
I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support available until late in the year, and I regret not doing so earlier. Early on, I stepped up by becoming a year well-being representative, which helped me form relationships with staff members. This experience proved to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university journey. My primary takeaway? Don’t hesitate to leverage the resources and support systems at your disposal—you can never receive too much help!
### Reflections on the Journey
In reflecting on this past year, I’ve come to realize that many of the anxious feelings I faced—both prior to and during university—were unwarranted. There is a wealth of support accessible from both staff and fellow students to assist you in overcoming any hurdles. This year has shown me that I’m never truly alone, and balancing the stress of examinations and deadlines with joyful moments is achievable.
As I look toward the forthcoming academic year, I feel a renewed sense of confidence and excitement about what lies ahead. To anyone gearing up to embark on their university adventure: take that leap, embrace the challenges, and remember to enjoy the journey.
*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)*