**Thoughts on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overcome with anxiety, fear, and self-doubt regarding what was to come. I was on the brink of starting 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 and reserved, immersing myself in this new stage felt daunting. Reflecting now, I recognize a year filled with growth, obstacles, and endless moments of happiness. But what insights have I gained, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Friend-Making
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. Starting university can feel overwhelming, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it’s likely one of your primary worries as well. On my first day in student housing, just before the semester began, I spent the whole day secluded in my room, too fearful to venture out and introduce myself.
Fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve forged some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. These bonds have become my second family, both in my program and throughout the university. It all commenced with small efforts—starting casual dialogues with others in a similar situation.
What have I gleaned? Taking that initial step at the beginning of the year is invariably beneficial. If you don’t feel ready or at ease right away, don’t fret—there will be numerous icebreaker activities and chances to mingle. Above all, just be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re likely to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the increased workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was significant, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or question your capabilities, particularly when observing peers study and wondering if you’re lagging behind.
What assisted me was the understanding that everyone grapples with similar struggles. If you’re having difficulty grasping a concept, it’s likely that others are as well. The critical aspect is to seek assistance—whether from classmates or faculty members. Learning to ask for support is arguably the most crucial skill to cultivate in your first year.
### Assistance from the Materials Department
On the subject of support, the personnel in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely wish for students to succeed and are fully aware of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained open channels of communication, addressing our worries and providing direction.
I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support offered until the latter part of the year, and I regret not doing it earlier. At the beginning of the year, I made a bold move by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to establish connections with staff members, which proved invaluable. There are numerous avenues to interact with staff, and engaging can significantly enhance your university experience. My biggest lesson here is to leverage the support systems at your disposal—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
This year has illuminated that the anxiety I experienced—both before entering university and throughout the academic year—was largely unjustified. With the extensive array of support options provided by staff and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned to face challenges head-on, find enjoyment despite the stress of exams and deadlines, and evolve into a more self-assured version of myself.
If you’re on the verge of starting your own university adventure, remember that it’s completely normal to feel apprehensive. Take those risks, seek help, and trust that you will discover your niche.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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