**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 was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about the journey ahead. I was on the brink of starting my adventure 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. As a person who used to be quite introverted, stepping into the unfamiliar was anything but comfortable for me. Reflecting back, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyable moments. But what insights have I gained from this journey, and what is my current mindset?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered at the beginning of university was the task of making friends. If you’re an incoming student, you might share this concern as well. On my first day in student housing, just days before classes started, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, feeling too nervous to venture out and meet new people. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly say I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships in my life—friends who feel like family.
How did I achieve this? It began with casual conversations and building connections with others who felt similarly. The most crucial lesson I learned is that taking the initiative from the start of the year is always beneficial. If you’re not quite ready to engage right away, don’t fret—there will be countless icebreakers and social events to facilitate interactions. Above all, just be you. With such a diverse student body, you’re sure to encounter those who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Challenges
Another significant challenge was adapting to the academic workload and complexity of the subject matter. The leap from A-levels to university was considerable, and transitioning from the first to the second term felt even more demanding. It’s natural to feel swamped or to question your capabilities when you observe others studying and wonder if you measure up.
What helped me persevere through this? I reminded myself that we were all facing similar situations. If I didn’t grasp a concept, it was likely that others were puzzled too. The crucial takeaway is to seek assistance—that may be the most vital skill to cultivate during your first year. Connect with fellow students and, most importantly, don’t hesitate to reach out to the faculty.
### The Significance of Support and Faculty Engagement
Speaking of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is outstanding. They truly care about students’ success and recognize the difficulties we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept channels of communication open and were understanding of our challenges.
I didn’t fully engage with available pastoral support until late in the year, and I regret not reaching out sooner. At the beginning of the year, I took a step forward by becoming a well-being representative for my year. This position allowed me to build connections with staff, which proved to be truly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to familiarize yourself with your lecturers and tutors, and doing so can significantly enhance your experience. My key message? Utilize the support available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
In summary, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced—both prior to and during my university life—was often unfounded. There are abundant support systems in place, from faculty to fellow students, to assist you in navigating challenges. I’ve discovered that I’m never completely alone and that enjoying university life is achievable even amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines.
As I reflect, I realize how much I’ve evolved, and I’m eager to see what the upcoming years at Imperial have in store.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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