**Reflections on My Initial Year Studying Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months back, in October 2022, I was engulfed by anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was on the brink of commencing 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 always been quiet and reserved, plunging into unfamiliarity felt daunting. Now, as I reflect on an academic year brimming with personal development, challenges, and abundant enjoyment, I can’t help but contemplate the insights I’ve gained and how much I’ve achieved.
### Conquering the Anxiety of Forming Friendships
One of the most daunting elements of starting university was the challenge of making new friends. If you’re a future student reading this, you might relate to those feelings. On my first day in student housing, I spent the whole day concealed in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to others. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly say that I’ve formed some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve ever had—friends who feel like an extended family.
What shifted? It all began with casual conversations and the realization that everyone else was experiencing the same uncertainty. Taking that first step to interact with others, even when it felt awkward, changed everything. If you’re feeling uncertain, don’t fret—there will be numerous ice-breaker activities and chances to engage with others. The most crucial lesson I learned was to simply be authentic. With such a diverse community at Imperial, you are sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and values.
### Navigating the Academic Rigors
Another major obstacle was adapting to the increased workload and the elevated complexity of the subject matter. The transition from A-levels to university was striking, and the shift from the first term to the second term felt even more pronounced. It’s natural to feel inundated or question your capabilities, particularly when you witness your peers studying and ponder if you’re doing enough.
What aided me was recognizing that I wasn’t alone in this experience. If I struggled to grasp a concept, it was likely that others were encountering similar difficulties. The crucial takeaway was to seek assistance—whether it be from classmates or faculty. This is perhaps the most essential lesson I absorbed during my first year: don’t hesitate to ask for help.
### The Value of Supportive Faculty
Speaking of assistance, the staff within the Materials department are exceptional. They sincerely desire for students to thrive and are compassionate regarding the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they consistently kept lines of communication open and provided various forms of support.
Although I didn’t fully leverage the pastoral support offered until the latter part of the year, I wish I had taken advantage of it sooner. Assuming the role of a year well-being representative was one of the proactive steps I took early on, and it turned out to be a gratifying experience. It enabled me to forge connections with staff members, which proved to be invaluable. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly enrich your university experience. My primary takeaway? Utilize the assistance and resources available to you—you can never have too much support!
### Insights Gained
In retrospect, this past year has revealed to me that the anxiety I experienced—both prior to and during university—was frequently unwarranted. With the extensive support from both staff and fellow students, I was never truly alone. I’ve learned to balance the demands of exams and deadlines alongside enjoyable moments, and I’ve evolved in ways I never anticipated.
If you’re about to embark on your own university experience, keep this in mind: take the plunge, be true to yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance. You’re capable of more than you realize, and there’s a vast community ready to support you throughout your 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/)*