**Thoughts on My Initial Year Studying Materials Science and Engineering**
*By Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*
Ten months ago, back in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with nerves, apprehension, and uncertainty about what awaited me. I was on the brink of starting 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. Being someone who had always been introverted and reserved, stepping into the unfamiliar was certainly outside my comfort zone. Reflecting now, I recognize a year filled with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment. But what insights has this year given me, and where do I find myself today?
### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends
One of the most daunting challenges I encountered was the quest for friendships. Entering university can be a scary experience, and if you happen to be an incoming student reading this, it might be one of your foremost worries as well. On my inaugural day in student accommodation, just days prior to the term officially commencing, I spent the entire day secluded in my room, too anxious to venture out and introduce myself to anyone.
Fast forward to now, and I can proudly state that I’ve formed some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever had. The individuals I’ve met here—at Imperial and within my course—have morphed into a second family. It all began with casual conversations and connecting with others who were experiencing the same things as me.
So, what did I take away from this? I realized that taking a chance at the beginning of the year is invariably worthwhile. If you’re not ready or feel uncomfortable immediately, that’s perfectly fine! There are numerous icebreaker events and chances to meet others as the year unfolds. Above all, I learned that being authentic is essential. With such a varied community at Imperial, you’re sure to find individuals who resonate with your interests and principles.
### Navigating the Academic Shift
Another notable obstacle was adapting to the workload and the heightened complexity of the material. There’s undoubtedly a significant transition from A-levels to university, and the jump from the first term to the second felt even more pronounced. Being in a rigorous academic setting can sometimes shake your self-assurance—you might glance around and sense that others are handling things more effectively than you.
What assisted me through those times was the realization that everyone experiences similar struggles. If you’re having difficulty comprehending a topic, it’s likely that others are too. The best action you can take is to seek assistance. This might be the greatest lesson I took away from my first year: don’t hesitate to reach out to your classmates or faculty for help.
### The Importance of Supportive Faculty
Speaking of faculty, the Materials Science department at Imperial is outstanding. The professors and tutors genuinely care about your success and recognize the challenges students encounter. They are understanding and maintain open lines of communication with us throughout the academic year.
Although I didn’t fully utilize the available support until later in the year, I wish I had done so sooner. At the year’s onset, I took a step forward by becoming a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to forge connections with faculty members, which proved to be immensely beneficial. There are various avenues to engage with staff, and doing so can significantly enhance your university experience. My key takeaway? Leverage the support available to you—there’s no such thing as too much help!
### Insights Gained
Looking back on this year, I’ve come to understand that the anxiety I felt before beginning university—and even during the year—was often unnecessary. With the extensive range of support options offered by both faculty and fellow students, I was never genuinely alone. This year has enlightened me on how to juggle the stress of exams and deadlines while savoring moments of joy and fun.
In the end, my first year at Imperial has been a voyage of growth, resilience, and exploration. If you’re poised to embark on your university journey, remember that feeling nervous is entirely normal—but also realize that you will find your rhythm, forge meaningful connections, and flourish in ways you may not have anticipated.
*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/)*