### Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering
*Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was about to begin 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 has always been introverted and reserved, plunging into such a major life transition felt daunting. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize a period brimming with growth, challenges, and considerable happiness. But what insights have I gained from this journey, and what is my current standing?
#### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was forming new friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, you might be experiencing the same fears. On my initial day in student housing, just a few days prior to the term’s commencement, I found myself spending the whole day in my room, too anxious to venture out and meet others. Fast forward to now, and I can assuredly say 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 interests and experiences. And it only took a little bit of casual conversation with others who felt just as apprehensive as I did. What did I learn? It’s vital to take that leap of faith early on. If you’re not ready just yet, don’t be concerned—there will be numerous icebreaker events and occasions to connect with others. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a diverse student body, you are sure to find people who connect with you.
#### Navigating the Academic Transition
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened difficulty of the course material. The shift from A-levels to university was stark, and the transition from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. Maintaining confidence wasn’t always simple, particularly when I noticed others studying while I felt like I was falling behind.
What assisted me through this was the understanding that everyone was in a similar situation. If I struggled with something, it was likely that others did too. The essential lesson here? Don’t shy away from asking for help. Whether from your fellow students or faculty, reaching out for assistance is among the most important skills to cultivate in your first year.
#### Support from the Faculty
Speaking of support, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They sincerely wish for students to thrive and are well aware of the obstacles we face. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication with us and demonstrated empathy towards our challenges.
Even though I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support until the year’s conclusion, I wish I had utilized it earlier. Early on, I made a bold move by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to establish connections with faculty, which turned out to be invaluable. There are various ways to get to know your lecturers and tutors, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway here is to make use of the resources and support available to you—there’s no such thing as too much support.
#### Insights Gained
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve realized that the anxiety I felt—both before starting university and throughout the year—was often unfounded. There are numerous support systems in place, from staff to fellow students, to help you navigate challenges. I’ve come to understand that I am never truly alone and that it’s possible to balance the pressures of exams and deadlines with moments of joy and fun.
This year has been a transformative journey, one that has taught me to embrace change, seek help when necessary, and savor the experience.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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