**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 overcome with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty regarding what was ahead. I was on the verge of beginning 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. As someone who had always been introverted and cautious, plunging into the unfamiliar felt daunting. Now, reflecting on an academic year filled with development, challenges, and lots of enjoyable moments, I recognize how much I’ve grown and how far I’ve progressed.
### Conquering the Fear of Forming Friendships
One of the most intimidating challenges I encountered was establishing friendships. If you’re a prospective student reading this, you might share similar concerns about this element of beginning university. On my first day in student housing, just a few days before classes commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too apprehensive to venture out and introduce myself. Fast forward to today, and I can proudly state that I’ve made some of the most incredible friends I’ve ever had.
The pivotal moment came when I made the choice to take a chance and initiate small chats with others who were in the same situation as me. Gradually, those brief interactions flourished into significant friendships. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with stepping outside my comfort zone.
So, what did I learn? First, it’s valuable to take that leap at the beginning of the year, even if it feels daunting. If you’re not prepared immediately, don’t fret—there are numerous icebreaker events and chances to connect with others. Second, the finest advice is to be true to yourself. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to meet people who resonate with your interests and values.
### Addressing the Academic Challenges
Another major obstacle was acclimatizing to the workload and the complexity of the course material. The transition from A-levels to university was striking, and the shift from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or question your capabilities when observing others studying and excelling.
What assisted me in navigating these challenges was the understanding that everyone is experiencing similar difficulties. If you’re finding something tough to grasp, it’s likely that others are too. The essential element is to seek assistance—be it from your peers or the teaching staff. This is perhaps the most crucial lesson I learned during my first year: don’t hesitate to ask for help.
### The Caring Staff
Speaking of support, the faculty in the Materials department are outstanding. They genuinely care about students’ success and are well aware of the challenges we encounter. Throughout the year, they kept communication open with us and demonstrated empathy towards our difficulties.
I didn’t fully take advantage of the pastoral support available until the end of the year, and I wish I had acted sooner. At the year’s beginning, I took a step by becoming a year well-being representative. This position allowed me to cultivate relationships with staff members, which turned out to be remarkably beneficial. There are various ways to engage with staff, and doing so can greatly enhance your university experience. My biggest takeaway here is to leverage the assistance and resources available—you can never have too much support!
### Insights Gained
Reflecting on my first year, I’ve come to understand that the anxiety I experienced—both prior to and during university—was frequently unfounded. Numerous support systems exist, from faculty to fellow students, to help you navigate challenges. I’ve realized that I’m never truly alone, and I’ve figured out how to balance stress from exams and deadlines with moments of happiness and enjoyment.
This year has been a journey of personal development, and I’m eager to see what the future brings as I advance in my studies in Materials Science and Engineering.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized 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/)*