**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Approximately ten months prior, in October 2022, I was engulfed with nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding what awaited me. 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 had always been somewhat introverted, stepping into the unknown was outside my comfort zone. Reflecting back now, I can appreciate how much I’ve developed during the past academic year. It’s been a period of personal growth, challenges, and a lot of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained from this journey, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Connections
One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered at the outset of university was forming friendships. If you’re an incoming student reading this, you may be experiencing similar feelings. On my first day settling into accommodation, just days before the term commenced, I spent the whole day tucked away in my room, too apprehensive to step out and introduce myself. Fast forward to the present, and I can proudly declare I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had.
At Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family—individuals who share my passions and values. It all commenced with light conversation and engaging with others who were just as anxious as me. What I took away from this experience is that taking a leap of faith at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not ready or at ease, don’t fret—there will be ample icebreaking events and opportunities to connect with people. Most importantly, just stay true to yourself. With a multitude of diverse individuals throughout the university, you are sure to find those who resonate with you.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another notable challenge was adapting to the demands of the workload and the complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was striking, and the leap from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or doubt your capabilities when you observe others studying and seemingly thriving.
What aided me in managing this was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re finding something difficult to grasp, it’s likely that others are as well. The essential thing is to seek assistance—whether from fellow students or faculty members. This stands out as perhaps the most crucial lesson I acquired in my first year: don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
### Caring Staff and Pastoral Support
Speaking of assistance, the faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely care about students’ success and demonstrate understanding of the obstacles we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained transparent communication with us and were consistently open to addressing our issues.
While I didn’t fully engage with the available pastoral support until the year’s end, I wish I had started earlier. Taking on the position of a year well-being representative was one of the proactive steps I took initially, and it proved to be a fulfilling experience. It enabled me to forge relationships with staff members, which became invaluable. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My key takeaway? Utilize the support and resources at your disposal—you can never have too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
Looking back on my first year, I’ve come to understand that the anxiety I felt—both before beginning university and throughout the year—was often unfounded. There is a wealth of support available, whether from staff or fellow students, to help you overcome any obstacles.
This year has taught me that I’m never genuinely alone and that it’s entirely possible to discover joy, even amidst the stress of exams and deadlines. It’s been a transformative experience, and I’m eager to see what the future brings as I continue my education in Materials Science and Engineering.
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**By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)**
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