**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overcome with nerves, fear, and uncertainty regarding the future. 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 traditionally shy and reserved, stepping into the unknown felt quite daunting. Now, reflecting on an academic year brimming with growth, challenges, and ample enjoyment, I can truly appreciate how much I’ve learned and how far I’ve progressed.
### Confronting the Initial Challenge: Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting elements of beginning university was the prospect of making new friends. If you’re a potential student reading this, you might share similar concerns. On my first day in university housing, a few days before classes kicked off, I remained concealed in my room all day, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly declare that I’ve forged some of the deepest friendships I’ve ever experienced.
These connections have evolved into a second family for me, initiated by simple conversations with others who were feeling just as apprehensive. I’ve discovered that making that first move to connect with people is always worthwhile. If you aren’t ready immediately, that’s no issue—there will be multitude of icebreaker events and meetups to get to know others. Most importantly, embrace your true self. With such a diverse community of students throughout the course and university, you are sure to discover individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Shift
Adapting to the workload and complexity of university-level coursework was yet another significant challenge. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the progression from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to become daunted or question your capabilities when observing others study and feel as though they’re ahead of you.
What assisted me in navigating this was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar feelings. If you’re finding it difficult to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The crucial element is to seek assistance—whether it’s from classmates or teaching staff. Learning to ask for help might be the most essential skill to cultivate in your first year.
### Assistance from Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is truly exceptional. The lecturers and tutors genuinely care about students’ success and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. They maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the year and are ever willing to provide support.
I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support offered until the concluding part of the year, and I regret not doing this sooner. One early step I took was becoming a well-being representative for my year. This role allowed me to cultivate relationships with staff members, which has been immensely beneficial. There are numerous avenues to connect with faculty, and engaging with them can significantly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway here is to fully utilize the support that’s available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
In summary, this year has shown me that the anxiety I felt—both prior to commencing university and throughout the year—was frequently unwarranted. With the extensive support available from staff and fellow students, I’ve come to realize that I’m never truly alone. I’ve also mastered the art of balancing enjoyment with managing the unavoidable stress of exams and deadlines.
Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a journey of personal development, new friendships, and invaluable lessons. If you’re about to begin your university adventure, understand that although it may appear intimidating at the onset, it’s also a chance to flourish, connect, and uncover your potential.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
*Tagged: [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [Featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [First Year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [Imperial College London](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)*