**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was engulfed in anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what was to come. I was on the verge of starting my adventure 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 has consistently been shy and introverted, stepping into the unknown seemed overwhelming. Now, as I look back on the previous academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, challenges, and many unforgettable experiences. So, what insights have I gained, and what is my current perspective?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was the process of making friends. Beginning university can be daunting, and if you’re a potential student perusing this, you may be feeling the same way. On my inaugural day in student housing, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself.
Fast forward to now, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had. My classmates have transformed into my second family, both within my program and throughout the university. All it required was taking that initial step—engaging in light conversation with others who were experiencing similar feelings.
What have I discovered? I uncovered that taking that leap at the year’s outset is always worthwhile. If you feel unprepared, don’t fret—there will be countless icebreaker events and chances to bond with others. Most crucially, I realized that being authentic is vital. Imperial boasts a diverse community, and you are sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and beliefs.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the workload and heightened complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was stark, and the shift from the first to the second term felt even sharper. It’s easy to become inundated and doubt your capabilities when surrounded by high-achieving peers.
What aided me in this transition was recognizing that everyone is facing similar challenges. If you’re finding it difficult to grasp a concept, it’s likely that others are as well. The most significant lesson I took from my first year was to seek assistance. Whether it’s from your classmates or the teaching staff, reaching out can significantly change your experience.
### The Value of Support
Speaking of staff, the Materials department at Imperial is exceptional. The lecturers and support personnel genuinely care about students’ success and are understanding of the challenges we encounter. They keep lines of communication open throughout the year, addressing our concerns and offering valuable advice.
Although I didn’t fully engage with pastoral support until late in the year, I wish I had done so earlier. Stepping into the role of a year well-being representative was one of the significant decisions I made at the beginning of the year. This role enabled me to foster connections with staff members, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to reach out to staff, and doing so can greatly enrich your university journey. My main insight? Make the most of the support available—you can never have too much assistance!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve come to understand that the apprehension I felt before starting university, as well as throughout the year, was often unfounded. There exist countless resources and support networks, ranging from staff to fellow students, designed to assist you in overcoming challenges.
This year has revealed to me that I am never alone. It has taught me how to balance pressures such as exams and deadlines with moments of joy and laughter. Most importantly, it’s been a year of development, demonstrating that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to remarkable opportunities and connections.
If you’re on the cusp of commencing your university adventure, approach the experience with an optimistic mindset. Take those leaps, seek assistance, and remember to savor the journey!
—
*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/)*