**Reflections 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 overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what the future held. I was on the brink of beginning 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. Having been someone who was previously introverted and quiet, immersing myself in this new environment was well out of my comfort zone. In retrospect, I can see that the academic year has been a remarkable journey—replete with advancements, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained, and where do I stand now?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating hurdles I encountered at the beginning of university was the prospect of making friends. If you’re a prospective student perusing this, you might be experiencing similar feelings. On my first day at student accommodation, just a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to anyone.
Fast forward to today, and I am thrilled to say that I’ve formed some of the most cherished friendships of my life. Here at Imperial, and within my program, I have discovered a second family. All it took was to step outside my comfort zone and initiate small dialogues with fellow students who were navigating similar experiences.
What has this taught me? Taking that first step is invariably beneficial. If you initially feel unprepared or uneasy, don’t fret—numerous icebreaker events and chances to mingle abound. Most importantly, remain true to yourself. With the diverse student body at the university, you’re sure to find those who align with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Shift
A further considerable challenge was adapting to the academic demands and the heightened complexity of the coursework. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the leap from the first to the second term seemed even more pronounced. It wasn’t always easy to maintain a sense of confidence, particularly when observing others studying and feeling inadequate by comparison.
What facilitated my progress through this was understanding that everyone faces similar challenges. If something is unclear, chances are others are grappling with it as well. The crucial thing is to seek assistance—whether from peers or instructors. This is arguably the most essential skill to nurture during your first year.
### The Significance of Support and Relationships
Speaking of faculty, one of the standout aspects of my experience has been the tremendous support from the Materials department. The staff are genuinely invested in student success and show understanding of the challenges we encounter. They ensure open communication throughout the academic year and are consistently available to address our concerns.
I didn’t fully leverage the available pastoral support until the latter part of the year, and I wish I had discovered it sooner. At the year’s beginning, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative. This role enabled me to forge connections with staff members, which proved to be exceptionally beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway? Make the most of the support at your disposal—you can never receive too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this past year, I have learned an immense amount. The anxious feelings I experienced—both prior to entering university and throughout the year—were frequently unfounded. With the extensive range of support available from faculty and fellow students, I came to realize that I was never genuinely alone.
Most crucially, I learned how to juggle the pressures of exams and deadlines with moments of joy and leisure. University is a journey of development, and while it presents its difficulties, it also offers a chance to embrace fresh experiences and cultivate lifelong friendships.
If you’re about to embark on your own university adventure, my advice is straightforward: take the plunge, seek help when necessary, and don’t forget to savor the journey.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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