**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the path ahead. I was on the verge of starting 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 unknown felt akin to jumping into deep waters. Now, as I reminisce about an academic year filled with growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment, I find myself contemplating the insights I’ve gained and the distance I’ve traveled.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was forging friendships. Embarking on university life can be intimidating, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it’s likely one of your primary concerns. On my first day at student accommodations, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to step outside and meet new people.
Fast forward to the present, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships of my life. The individuals I’ve encountered here—both within my course and throughout the university—have become like family to me. All it required was some casual conversation and the realization that everyone else was similarly apprehensive.
So, what did I take away from this? Take that courageous step early on. Even if you don’t feel prepared, there will be numerous icebreaker activities and chances to interact with others. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. With such a vibrant community at Imperial, you’re sure to connect with like-minded individuals.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major obstacle was acclimating to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your capabilities when surrounded by top-performing peers.
What aided me the most was reminding myself that everyone was grappling with similar hurdles. If you’re struggling with a concept, chances are others are as well. The essential thing is to ask for assistance—whether from your classmates or the teaching faculty. Learning to seek help is arguably the most beneficial skill you can cultivate during your first year.
### Cultivating Relationships with Faculty
Speaking of support, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely desire for students to succeed and understand the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us, ensuring we felt supported.
I did not fully leverage the available pastoral support until the latter part of the year, and in retrospect, I wish I had done so earlier. Taking on the position of a year well-being representative was one of the bold steps I took at the beginning of the year, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. It allowed me to establish connections with faculty members, which proved invaluable.
There are numerous avenues to engage with the staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My biggest takeaway? Make the most of the resources and support available to you—you can never have too much help!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this year, I have come to realize that the anxiety I felt—both before and during university—was largely baseless. With the extensive support available from staff and fellow students, I was never truly alone. I’ve learned to welcome challenges, seek help, and find joy even amid the pressures of exams and deadlines.
As I look ahead, I am thankful for the growth I’ve undergone and enthusiastic about what awaits. If you are about to embark on your own university adventure, understand that feeling nervous is entirely normal—but also know that you are entering an environment where you will grow, flourish, and create lasting memories.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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