**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, fear, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was about to embark on 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. As someone who has always been introverted and timid, stepping into the unfamiliar was far outside my comfort zone. Reflecting now, I recognize a year that has been transformative—filled with personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Fear of Friendships
A major anxiety when starting university was the prospect of making friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely a concern for you too. On my initial day moving into accommodation, a few days before classes began, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too scared to go out and introduce myself.
Fast forward to now, and I’m happy to report I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever experienced. Here at Imperial and within my course, I’ve discovered a second family. It all commenced with small actions—sparking casual conversations with others who were just as apprehensive as I was.
What did I learn? Taking that initial leap of faith is essential. Even if you feel unprepared, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet others. Most importantly, simply be yourself. With such a varied demographic at university, you’re sure to find individuals who connect with you.
### Addressing Academic Hurdles
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was substantial, and the shift from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel daunted and question your own capabilities when observing others studying and appearing to flourish.
What assisted me in overcoming this was the realization that everyone experiences similar struggles. If you’re finding something hard to grasp, it’s likely that others are too. The crucial aspect is to ask for assistance—whether from classmates or academic staff. Learning to seek out help is arguably the most vital skill you can develop during your initial year.
### The Value of Support
Speaking of assistance, the faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely care about students’ success and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept open lines of communication with us and were always willing to address our issues.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the available pastoral support until late in the year, but I wish I’d done it sooner. At the beginning of the year, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to foster connections with staff members, which turned out to be invaluable. There are numerous avenues to connect with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My biggest lesson? Make the most of the support offered—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
This year has revealed to me that the apprehension I felt—both before entering university and during my time here—was often misplaced. The extensive support available, from faculty to fellow students, has been key in aiding me through challenges. I’ve come to understand that I’m never truly on my own and that it’s feasible to reconcile stress from exams and deadlines with enjoyable moments.
Looking back, I recognize the distance I’ve traveled since that anxious fresher who hid away on the first day. University has been a journey of self-exploration, development, and connection, and I’m eager to discover what lies ahead.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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