**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overcome with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what awaited me. I was on the brink 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. For someone who had consistently been introverted and withdrawn, plunging into this new experience felt overwhelming. Now, as I reflect on an academic year filled with development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment, I can’t help but consider the lessons I’ve grasped and the progress I’ve made.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered at the beginning of university was forming friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, you may be feeling the same way. On my first day in my student accommodations, a few days prior to the term officially starting, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever known.
The pivotal moment came when I made the choice to break out of my comfort zone and engage in small conversations with others who were experiencing the same feelings as me. It wasn’t simple at first, but the effort was worthwhile. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and I’ve learned that taking that first step of faith is essential. If you’re not prepared at once, don’t be concerned—there will be abundant icebreaker activities and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, just be yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to encounter individuals who share your passions and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first term to the second term was even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel swamped or question your abilities when you see others studying and seemingly succeeding.
What assisted me in maneuvering through this was realizing that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re finding it difficult to grasp something, chances are that others are experiencing the same struggle. The crucial point is to ask for assistance—whether from your classmates or the teaching staff. Learning to seek and accept support is arguably the most vital skill to cultivate during your first year.
### Assistance from the Materials Department
In terms of support, the faculty in the Materials department are wonderful. They genuinely desire for students to flourish and understand the challenges we face. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open with us and were always eager to address our concerns.
While I didn’t take full advantage of the pastoral support provided until the end of the year, I wish I had engaged with it earlier. At the start, I took a chance by becoming a year well-being representative, which helped me cultivate relationships with staff members. This proved to be immensely beneficial. There are many means to connect with faculty, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My recommendation? Make the most of the support systems available to you—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
In retrospect, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt—both before commencing university and throughout the year—was frequently unfounded. With the wide array of support accessible from faculty and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned to balance the stress from exams and deadlines with moments of happiness and enjoyment.
Ultimately, my first year at Imperial has been a journey of self-exploration, growth, and connection. If you’re about to begin your own university path, be assured that while it may seem daunting initially, it is also a chance to thrive, learn, and forge lasting memories.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*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/)*