**Reflections 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, fear, and uncertainty about the future. 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, leaping into this new phase felt quite intimidating. In hindsight, I see a year that has been life-changing—filled with personal growth, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
### Conquering the Fear of Friendships
One of the earliest and most daunting challenges I encountered was forming friendships. The start of university can be quite stressful, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it’s probably something on your mind as well. On my first day in student housing, just a few days prior to the beginning of term, I spent the entire day hiding in my room, too anxious to leave and introduce myself to anyone.
Fast forward to now, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve made some of the closest friends I’ve ever known. My friends here have become like a second family, and all it took was stepping beyond my comfort zone and initiating small chats with others who were just as apprehensive.
What did I take away from this? Taking that plunge at the beginning of the year is absolutely worthwhile. If you’re not fully prepared, don’t fret—there are numerous icebreaker activities and chances to meet others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to meet individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Challenges
Another major obstacle was acclimating to the workload and the depth of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It’s simple to feel overwhelmed or question your capabilities when you observe others studying and thriving.
What aided me through this was recognizing that everyone is experiencing similar feelings. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, chances are others are facing the same issues. The crucial thing is to reach out for assistance—whether it be from your classmates or the academic staff. Learning to seek assistance is arguably the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year.
### Establishing Connections with Staff
Speaking of staff, the Materials department at Imperial is exceptional. The lecturers and support personnel truly care about student success and are understanding of the hurdles we encounter. They maintain clear communication throughout the year, addressing any doubts we may have.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until late in the year, and I wish I had done so earlier. At the beginning of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a Year Well-being Representative. This position enabled me to foster relationships with staff, which ultimately proved to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and doing so can immensely enhance your university experience. My key takeaway? Capitalize on the support offered—you can never have enough of it!
### Insights Gained
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt before starting university—and even throughout the year—was often baseless. With the extensive support available from both faculty and fellow students, I realized I was never truly isolated. I’ve learned how to navigate the stress from exams and deadlines while still relishing moments of joy and fun, and I’ve evolved in ways I never anticipated.
To anyone on the brink of starting their university adventure: embrace the challenges, take those leaps of faith, and keep in mind that help is always accessible.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*