**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 overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the journey that lay ahead. I was on the verge of commencing my adventure 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 a naturally shy and introverted person, the thought of entering uncharted territory was daunting. Now, reflecting on the past academic year, I recognize a time of significant personal development, challenges, and abundant enjoyment. So, what insights have I gained from this year, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered was the challenge of making friends. For numerous new students, this aspect of starting university can be particularly intimidating, and if you’re a prospective student reading this, it may be something that concerns you as well. On my first day in student housing, just days prior to the official commencement of the term, I spent the entire day tucked away in my room, far too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to anyone.
Fast forward to now, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of my closest friendships. These connections have become akin to a second family for me, both in my program and throughout the university. The journey began with brief interactions with others who were equally apprehensive as I was.
What did I take away from this experience? Taking that initial step of faith at the beginning of the year is essential. If you’re not prepared or comfortable right away, don’t worry—there are numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet new people. Most importantly, remember to be yourself. With such a diverse student body at Imperial, you are sure to encounter individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another considerable challenge was adapting to the increased workload and difficulty of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was quite stark, and the jump from the first term to the second was even more pronounced. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your abilities when you observe others studying and worry that you may be lagging.
What aided me in overcoming this was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you’re having trouble grasping a concept, it’s likely that others are too. The crucial takeaway is to seek assistance—whether from your classmates or the teaching personnel. Learning to ask for help is arguably the most vital skill to cultivate in your first year.
### The Supportive Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the staff in the Materials department are remarkable. They genuinely have the students’ success at heart and are keenly aware of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept the lines of communication open, addressing our worries and providing support.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until the latter part of the year, and looking back, I wish I had reached out earlier. Early on, I made the decision to become a year well-being representative, a position which allowed me to form connections with faculty members. This turned out to be invaluable. There are plenty of ways to engage with the staff, and doing so can profoundly impact your university experience. My suggestion? Make full use of the support systems at your disposal—you can never receive too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
In retrospect, this year has taught me that much of the anxiety I had—both prior to starting university and throughout the academic year—was often unfounded. With the extensive range of support offered by both staff and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. I’ve learned how to manage the stress from exams and deadlines while also carving out moments of joy and enjoyment.
In summary, my first year at Imperial has been a transformative journey. It has highlighted the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone, seeking help when necessary, and fully embracing the opportunities that present themselves.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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