**Reflections on My Inaugural Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was on the verge of beginning 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 historically been introverted and reserved, plunging into this new chapter felt quite intimidating. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of significant personal development, obstacles, and numerous joyful experiences. So, what insights has this year provided me, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was the challenge of making friends. For countless incoming students, this is among the foremost worries about commencing university, and I was no different. On my inaugural day in student housing, just days prior to the start of term, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can proudly declare that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships of my life—friends who have come to feel like a second family.
How did I manage to break through the initial discomfort? It began with casual conversations with others who were just as apprehensive as I was. I learned that taking an early leap of faith is essential. If you’re not quite ready immediately, don’t stress—there are ample icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. Most importantly, I realized that being authentic is fundamental. With such a vibrant community at Imperial, you’re likely to discover individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Adapting to the academic demands and workload was another crucial challenge. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second proved even more daunting. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed or question your capabilities when in the company of high-performing peers.
What helped keep me centered was the understanding that we all share similar experiences. If I struggled with a concept, there’s a good chance others were as well. The best piece of advice I can offer is to seek help—whether from fellow students or faculty members. Learning to ask for assistance is one of the most beneficial skills you can cultivate during your first year.
### The Value of Supportive Faculty
On the topic of support, the staff within the Materials department have been truly exceptional. They sincerely care about student success and understand the challenges we navigate. Throughout the year, they maintained open lines of communication, addressing our anxieties and offering valuable guidance.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until the year’s end, and I wish I had accessed it earlier. Taking on the role of a year well-being representative was a significant step for me, but it turned out to be one of the most fulfilling decisions I made. It provided me the opportunity to build connections with faculty, which proved to be priceless. Whether through formal capacities or informal exchanges, getting to know your lecturers and tutors can greatly impact your experience. My key takeaway? Make the most of the assistance and resources available—you can never have too much support.
### Insights Gained and Future Prospects
This year has illuminated for me that the anxiety I felt prior to entering university—and at times throughout the year—was often unwarranted. With the vast support network from both staff and peers, I was never truly alone. I’ve learned to balance the stress stemming from exams and deadlines with moments of enjoyment and fun.
Looking back, I see a year replete with growth, resilience, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re about to embark on your own university journey, remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious. Embrace those leaps of faith, welcome the challenges, and don’t hesitate to seek help. You’ll be astonished at how much you can accomplish.
*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/)*