**Reflections on My Initial 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, fear, and uncertainty about what the future held. I was about to start my journey as a freshman 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 quiet, diving headfirst into this adventure felt intimidating. Now, reflecting on an academic year rich with personal growth, challenges, and countless enjoyable moments, I cannot help but contemplate the lessons I’ve learned and my current position.
### Conquering the Fear of Friendship
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was forming friendships. If you’re a future student reading this, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my first day in student housing, just days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to now, and I can affirmatively say I’ve made some of the most incredible friends I’ve ever had.
The breakthrough came from taking that first step—initiating small conversations with those who were experiencing the same feelings. Gradually, these exchanges turned into significant friendships, and I now feel like I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial.
So, what have I gleaned? First, it’s always beneficial to step out of your comfort zone early on. If you’re not quite prepared right away, no need to stress—there are abundant ice-breaking events and chances to meet others. Second, stay true to yourself. With such a diverse mix of personalities and backgrounds at university, you’re bound to find those who resonate with you.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another significant challenge was adapting to the increased workload and complexity of the material. The leap from A-levels to university was substantial, and the transition from the first term to the second was even tougher. It’s easy to feel daunted or question your capabilities when you observe others thriving.
What proved beneficial for me was the acknowledgment that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re struggling to grasp a concept, others likely are too. The most vital lesson I absorbed during my first year was to seek assistance—be it from classmates or faculty.
### Assistance from the Materials Department
Speaking of faculty, the Materials department at Imperial is outstanding. The instructors and support teams genuinely care about student success and are understanding of the hurdles we encounter. They foster open communication throughout the year and are consistently eager to assist.
I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support that was at my disposal until the end of the year, and I regret not utilizing it sooner. Early on, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative, which allowed me to connect with staff members. This ended up being a valuable experience, as establishing relationships with faculty can significantly impact your journey.
My recommendation? Capitalize on the support systems available to you. Whether you need academic assistance or pastoral care, you can never have too much help.
### Insights Gained
Looking back, this year has shown me that the apprehension I felt before beginning university—and even during the year—was often unjustified. With the broad array of support from both staff and fellow students, I was never truly isolated.
More importantly, I’ve learned how to juggle the pressures from exams and deadlines with moments of joy and enjoyment. University is a voyage of personal development, and while it includes its share of challenges, it’s also an immensely fulfilling experience.
As I look ahead, I’m eager to continue learning, evolving, and making the most of my time at Imperial.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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