**Reflections on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months prior, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what was to come. I was on the verge of commencing my experience 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 always been introverted and quiet, plunging into this new phase felt intimidating. In retrospect, I perceive a year characterized by development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. But what insights have I gained from this journey, and what is my current standing?
### Conquering the Fear of Friendships
One of the most daunting parts of entering university was the prospect of making friends. If you are a future student, this might be one of your primary anxieties as well. On my inaugural day in student housing, just a few days ahead of the term start, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to now, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve established some of the most meaningful friendships of my life. My friends here have become like a second family, and it all commenced with a straightforward action: engaging in small talk with others who were feeling just as apprehensive as I was.
What have I learned? Taking that initial step is vital. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t be concerned—there will be numerous icebreaker activities and chances to mingle with others. Most importantly, be authentic. In such a varied community of students, you are likely to find individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another major challenge was adapting to the academic demands and the heightened complexity of the material. The transition from A-levels to university was striking, and the shift from the first to the second term proved to be even more formidable. It’s easy to feel inundated or question your competencies when observing others studying, wondering if you’re keeping pace.
What aided me during this period was the realization that everyone is grappling with similar challenges. If you find yourself confused by a topic, it’s likely that others are too. The essential lesson here is to seek assistance. This might be the most critical insight I gained during my initial year—don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow students or academic staff for guidance.
### The Value of Support
Speaking of staff, I cannot stress enough how remarkable the Materials department team is. They sincerely desire for students to thrive and are understanding of the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept lines of communication open and provided ongoing support.
Although I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral assistance available to me until the latter part of the year, I regret not doing so earlier. At the year’s onset, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to foster connections with staff members, which turned out to be incredibly beneficial. There are numerous opportunities to engage with the staff, and doing so can significantly impact your experience. My greatest takeaway from this is to capitalize on the support systems in place—it exists for a purpose, and you can never have too much assistance.
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve discovered that the trepidation I experienced—both prior to and during my university time—was often unwarranted. With the vast array of support options available from both staff and peers, I came to realize that I was never truly alone. This year has shown me how to navigate the pressures of exams and deadlines while embracing moments of happiness and self-discovery.
As I progress, I am appreciative of the challenges I’ve encountered and the growth I’ve achieved. If you are about to embark on your own university adventure, remember: take that plunge, be genuine, and don’t hesitate to seek help.
*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/)*