**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
October 2022 marked the beginning of my journey, a moment filled with apprehension, fear, and uncertainty about the future. As I prepared to become 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, it felt as though I was leaping into uncharted waters. Now, looking back on the last academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, challenges, and countless unforgettable experiences. What insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Fear of Socializing
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was forging friendships. For countless new students, this is a major worry when commencing university, and I was no exception. On my initial day in student housing, just days prior to classes starting, I spent the whole day confined to my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to my peers.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say that I’ve established some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. Within Imperial and my course, I’ve discovered a second family. It only required me to step outside my comfort zone and initiate small dialogues with others who shared my situation.
What insights did I garner from this journey? Firstly, it’s essential to take that initial leap at the year’s start. Even if you don’t feel ready, there will be ample icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. Secondly, the best approach is to be authentic. With such a varied group of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re bound to encounter those who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating Academic Obstacles
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the increased workload and the complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was evident, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Being in such a rigorous academic environment can sometimes undermine your confidence, particularly when observing others studying and feeling as if you’re lagging behind.
What aided my ability to overcome this was recognizing that everyone experiences similar struggles. If you’re finding something challenging, it’s likely that others are as well. The crucial lesson here is to seek assistance. This might just be the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year. Whether reaching out to fellow students or asking for guidance from faculty, don’t hold back from posing questions.
### The Value of Supportive Faculty
Regarding faculty, one of the highlights of my initial year has been the outstanding support from the Materials department. The staff genuinely desire for students to thrive and understand the challenges that we encounter. They empathize and maintain transparent communication throughout the year to address any concerns we may have.
Although I didn’t fully tap into the pastoral support until later in the year, I wish I had seized the opportunity sooner. At the beginning of the year, I took a step forward and became a well-being representative for my year. This involvement enabled me to connect with faculty members, proving to be extremely beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to develop relationships with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My most significant takeaway is to fully utilize the support offered to you—there’s no such thing as excessive assistance!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on the year, I realize that the anxiety I experienced before and during university was mostly unfounded. With the abundance of support from both faculty and fellow students, those feelings of uncertainty can be navigated and surmounted. I’ve come to understand that I’m never truly isolated, and I’ve learned how to balance enjoyment with the inevitable pressures of exams and deadlines.
As I look ahead, I am eager to discover what the future holds. If there’s one piece of advice I’d lend to incoming students, it would be this: embrace the challenges, take those brave steps, and don’t hesitate to seek help. University is a journey of growth, and you are never traversing it alone.
*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)