**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty surrounded me as I prepared 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. For someone who had always been introverted, stepping into the unknown was outside my comfort zone. Now, reflecting on an academic year rich in growth, challenges, and happiness, I can appreciate how much I’ve learned and the progress I’ve made.
### Conquering the Fear of Building Friendships
One of the most intimidating obstacles I encountered was making new friends. The prospect of starting university can be nerve-wracking, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my first day at the student housing, just before the term began, I spent the whole day retreating to my room, too afraid to venture out and introduce myself.
Fast forward to now, and I’m pleased to say I’ve found some of the closest friends I’ve ever had. My friends here have become like a second family, and it all started with simple conversations with others who were feeling just like I was.
So, what have I taken away from this experience? Taking that initial step is always valuable. If you’re not ready to leap out of your comfort zone right away, don’t worry—there will be numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, be yourself. With such a diverse community at Imperial, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing Academic Obstacles
Adapting to the demands and complexity of university-level coursework was yet another major challenge. The transition from A-levels to university was apparent, and the shift from the first term to the second felt especially pronounced. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or second-guess your capabilities when observing others study and assume they have everything under control.
What assisted me in navigating this was the understanding that everyone is dealing with similar issues. If you find yourself grappling with a concept, chances are many others are too. The key is to seek help—whether from classmates or faculty. This is perhaps the most crucial lesson I learned in my inaugural year: don’t shy away from asking for support.
### The Value of Supportive Faculty
On the subject of support, the staff within the Materials department are amazing. They genuinely wish for students to thrive and show empathy for the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open, addressing our worries and providing guidance.
I didn’t make full use of the pastoral support offered until late in the year, and I regret not doing so earlier. At the beginning of the year, I took a chance by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to foster connections with staff members, which turned out to be invaluable. Whether through formal positions or casual encounters, getting to know the staff is one of the best things you can do for yourself. My key takeaway? Utilize the support systems available to you—you can never have too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
Looking back on this past year, I’ve realized that the nervousness I experienced before starting university—and even throughout the year—was often unfounded. The support I received from faculty and fellow students made all the difference. I’ve learned that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve figured out how to balance enjoying my time with managing the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
This year has been one of significant personal development, and I’m eager to discover what the future holds as I progress in Materials Science and Engineering.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
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