**Contemplations 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 consumed by anxiety, fear, and uncertainty as I got ready to embark on my first-year journey 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). Being naturally shy and introverted, taking the plunge into this new chapter felt daunting. However, reflecting on an academic year brimming with personal growth, obstacles, and much enjoyment, I can clearly see how far I’ve progressed and the knowledge I’ve gained.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting parts of beginning university was the challenge of making friends. If you are a prospective student reading this, you might be experiencing similar feelings. On my inaugural day in student housing, just prior to the official start of the term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too anxious to go out and meet anyone. Fast forward to today, and I can say with confidence that I have formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had.
The pivotal moment occurred when I chose to initiate small conversations with others who were also feeling unsure. That one simple action led to the creation of a second family here at Imperial. My key takeaway? Take that leap of faith early on. If you’re not ready immediately, that’s okay—there will be ample icebreaker events and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re bound to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Hurdles
Adapting to the academic demands and the heightened complexity of the material was another major challenge. The transition from A-levels to university was distinctly marked, and the shift from the first to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or question your capabilities when observing peers studying and seeming to have everything under control.
What helped me was understanding that everyone is navigating similar struggles. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, there’s a good chance others are too. The crucial thing is to seek help—whether from fellow students or faculty members. This might just be the most important lesson I took away from my first year: don’t shy away from asking for assistance.
### The Importance of Supportive Faculty
On the topic of support, the staff in the Materials department are truly exceptional. They genuinely care about students’ success and understand the challenges we encounter. Throughout the academic year, they kept communication lines open, addressing our worries and providing guidance.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the final stretch of the year, I wish I had engaged with it earlier. One of the best decisions I made was stepping into the role of year well-being representative. This position enabled me to foster connections with faculty members, which turned out to be incredibly beneficial. Whether through official roles or informal exchanges, getting to know the staff is one of the best things you can invest in for yourself. My suggestion? Make the most of the assistance and resources available to you—there’s no such thing as too much support.
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on my first year, I have come to realize that many of the apprehensions I harbored—both prior to and during university—were unfounded. With a wide array of support options provided by faculty and fellow students, I was never truly isolated. This year has demonstrated to me how to manage the pressures of exams and deadlines while also savoring moments of joy and leisure.
If I could share one piece of advice with incoming students, it would be this: welcome the challenges, take those leaps of faith, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. University is a period for personal development, and with the right attitude and support, you’ll emerge more resilient on the other side.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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