**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Nearly ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and doubt about what was to come. I was on the brink of starting my first year as a 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 had always been introverted and reserved, taking the plunge was far from easy. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize a phase of significant personal development, obstacles to overcome, and countless joyful experiences. But what insights have I gained, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered at the outset was forming friendships. If you are an incoming student reading this, you may be experiencing similar feelings of unease. On my very first day in the student halls, a few days prior to the start of term, I spent the whole day confined in my room, too nervous to venture out and meet anyone. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly assert that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I ever hoped for.
The individuals I’ve encountered here have truly become like a second family. All it required was stepping beyond my comfort zone and initiating brief exchanges with others who were also seeking connection. My key takeaway? Take that courageous step at the start of the year. If you’re not ready or feel uneasy straight away, fear not—there will be numerous icebreaker activities and opportunities to meet people. Most crucially, remain true to yourself. With such a varied spectrum of individuals throughout the course and university, you will inevitably discover those who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was acclimating to the new workload and complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was distinctly noticeable, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. Being in such a rigorous academic setting can sometimes undermine your self-confidence. It’s easy to glance around and feel as if others are managing things better than you are.
What supported me through these periods was the recognition that everyone is experiencing similar struggles. If you find a topic challenging, chances are high that others do too. The essential piece of advice is to seek assistance—this is perhaps the most crucial lesson I took away from my first year. Whether it’s reaching out to classmates or asking for advice from faculty, don’t hesitate to request help.
### Dedicated Faculty and Student Support
Speaking of faculty, I cannot stress enough how outstanding the Materials Science department is. They genuinely care about student success and are fully aware of the hurdles we face. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us and demonstrated a profound understanding of our challenges.
Although I didn’t take full advantage of available pastoral support until the year’s end, I wish I had explored it earlier. At the year’s outset, I made a courageous choice to become a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to foster connections with faculty members, which turned out to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous avenues to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My recommendation? Fully utilize the support systems available to you—there’s no such thing as having too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on this year, I’ve come to realize that the anxiety I experienced prior to and during the start of university was frequently unfounded. With the wide array of support offered by both faculty and fellow students, I was never truly solitary. This year has equipped me with the skills to manage stress from exams and deadlines while also embracing moments of joy and excitement.
In conclusion, my initial year at Imperial has been a transformative experience. It has highlighted the importance of stepping away from my comfort zone, reaching out for help when necessary, and seizing the opportunities that present themselves. If you’re on the verge of commencing your own university journey, remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel apprehensive—but also know that you’ll evolve in ways you never pictured.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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